By Tom Graham
A record 1,300 people attended the 13th annual North Grenville Sustainability Fair on Saturday at the North Grenville Municipal Centre. The free, family-friendly event featured a wide range of eco-minded vendors and community organizations offering something for everyone. A selection of vendors displayed ‘greening your home’ products and eastern Ontario’s largest display of electric vehicles.
While many vendors had participated in the Fair before, there were many new vendors this year. Organizers state that the show attracted many new people this year, as well as those returning to the Fair after its two-year hiatus due to COVID. Besides locals, many folks came from Ottawa and the surrounding area.
Organizers weren’t the only ones who felt upbeat and positive about the Fair this year. “Fantastic job, Sustainable North Grenville, on the return of your fair!”, said Mayor Nancy Peckford following the event. “So many community booths, wonderful kids’ zone, lots of learning, delicious food, lively music, upcycled fashion and housewares, free poems for your pocket, electric vehicles and some good laughter too. Mostly everyone wearing masks which was awesome to see. Thank you to all of the volunteers for making it happen once again, and everyone who came out!”
A survey of participating vendors included comments such as ‘Social event of the year.’, ‘Incredible turnout’, ‘Great way to make new contacts’, ‘Great volunteers – nice people’. The Fair is organized and run by a group of concerned citizens who are passionate about social and environmental issues in the community. Plans are already underway for next year’s Fair. To find out more, or learn how you can get involved, visit www.SustainableNorthGrenville.ca.