As we lurch forward into the “rest and relaxation” season, there’s more than ever happening here. These pages are bursting with the creative vitality to be found in this region. We’re excited that Grey County has appointed a Culinary Ambassador and look forward to seeing how renowned chef Roger Mooking represents our growers and producers and chefs and eating establishments beyond our borders. Read all about it! After ten years, the Harmony Centre has become a significant community hub; it contains studios, classes, choirs, cultural events, and so much more. Read all about it! We introduce you to the Grey Grannies of the Stephen Lewis Foundation, a thriving group based out of Thornbury working to raise funds which are sent to Africa to assist grandmothers raising their grandchildren tragically orphaned by HIV and AIDS. Read all about it! And, as a special seasonal treat we include a Christmas story written by the late Andrew Armitage about a seasonal dinner celebrated in 1887. Read all about it!

DOWNTOWN DINE AROUND

The third annual Downtown Dine Around is on Tuesday November 26. This remarkable fundraising progressive dining experience takes place at three wonderful restaurants in downtown Owen Sound. Each venue will feature one course, introduced by the owner/chef, as well as a speaker from one of the programs we are supporting which assists with medical, mental health, and social supports to those who need it. Tickets ($100) include dinner, donation (a tax receipt for $50 will be issued), and a River District swag bag, are available now at www.downtowndinearound.ca.

39TH ANNUAL AUTHORS’ OPEN HOUSE

Once again we have assembled some of the finest local authors to celebrate the season. But this year we’re doing it all on a Sunday – Sunday, December 1, from 11:00-3:00 to be precise. Meet your favourite authors and learn about their latest projects. Discover the latest local books and get autographed copies for everyone on your list! Everyone welcome; no charge; free parking!

CHRISTKINDL MARKET 2024 AT GLENCOLTON FARMS

The tradition of Christkindl Market dates back to the Middle Ages when city streets and town squares were transformed to street markets during the four weeks of Advent. Now, in Grey County, the tradition of Christkindl has been brought to the country at Glencolton Farms near Durham, on December 6 (4:00-9:00pm) and December 7 (2:00pm-9:00pm). This very special seasonal event will include activities for children and adults such as Christmas sing-alongs, horse-drawn wagon rides, candle dipping, chestnut roasting, storytelling, and music, as well as booths from many local craftspeople, food, hot drinks, and so much more! Christkindl is about giving back to the community and continuing to put the culture back in agriculture. This year’s event will benefit Grey Bruce Hospice Chapman House. Tickets ($25/advance, $30/ door, children/free) are available from www.christkindl.ca.

- Maryann Thomas