Cultural Ramblings – By Glen Turner
Kudos, applause and compliments to the Sydenham Cultural Action Team!
I understand that not much is happening with the other four Teams in the Municipality, but that some planning is underway.
If that’s true, the others could take their lead from the Sydenham Team.
Tammy Howlett and Aimee Johnson head things up, and have done a remarkable job with their committee, and the Fourth Friday” concept.
I attended the last “Fourth Friday” of the season this Friday past, and was amazed. Glass-blowing demonstrations, pottery-making exhibition kid’s activities, music on the street, the most amazing baklava being sold right on the street… painting demonstrations, arts and crafts exhibits and all free, and you can move through the whole downtown at your own pace – stop in to a local bar or restaurant, browse through the open stores and shops, see lots of people you know…
Great idea!
You know, it didn’t even seem like Wallaceburg on the weekend! The “Fourth Friday” was, of course, on Friday.
Saturday, there was a free live “Blues Jam” in downtown, with four excellent bands playing from 1 p.m. on.
It appears, though the official Fourth Fridays are done, that local businesses have picked up on the idea.
Local restaurant owners Denise and Mike Hatfield, from the (relatively new) Chez Denise Bistro and Café on Nelson Street have decided to run with the “Fourth Friday” concept, and stay open every fourth Friday night. (They’re usually closed by 5 p.m.). Adding some dinner specials, and artists and musicians, they hope to keep the idea going throughout the winter.
Great idea!
I hope that other local businesses will catch on to the idea, and make it happen year-round, too.
By the way, if you haven’t been to Chez Denise yet, go.
Last weekend, Denise told me (I thought jokingly) that she made the best Reuben sandwich in Canada.
I tried one today. Home-made Russian sauce, from scratch.
She wasn’t joking.
Rob
Brian Cleeve
Aaron Hall
Michael Cowtan
Jay Smith
CKDP Staff
Greg Hetherington
Marlee Robinson
Chris Prince
Hooray for Tammy and Aimee! Your hard work is greatly appreciated in W’burg! The turnout for the cultural crawl is always awesome, and a great time is always had by everyone!
Word on the street is that the Cultural Crawl will be continuing throughout the winter at the Wallaceburg Museum!
AND, Chez Denise does indeed have the best Reuben! I believe I just may be addicted to it!
I understand that not much is happening with the other four Teams in the Municipality, but that some planning is underway.>>>
As a member of the Erie Ridge CAT, I can assure you that we are diligently building a firm foundation upon which future individual events (such as art fairs, walks or crawls such as the Sydenham CAT has done) can then evolve from.
that said, I’m a big admirer of Tammys…she deserves a standing ovation for implementing the Art Crawl for sure!
Great coverage, Glen!
Is it common for restaurants to close at five on a Friday? I am no restauranteur, but isn’t Friday evening one of the busiest for restaurant business?
Chez Denise is a local sandwich bistro and are usually open only the day for lunches.
Thanks all.. and the cultural crawl music and children’s activities will be held at the museum throughout the winter months. The downtown will potentially be still eventful as well. Lets all collaberate an toss around ideas.
I tried the reuben samich today, never had one in my life, I am in love with it’s gooey awesomeness. Thanks Denise..and gretchen.
Peace
Hey Tammy – are cougars invited to the next cultural crawl? There are a few lonely men out there waiting for an answer.
Thanks Glen for your work on the Cat team in Wallaceburg, i must agree they are a great team doing fantastic work. As for the Rueben comments…….. well as the famous EEYORE from Winnie the Poo would say “THANKS FOR NOTICING”. Denise was only kidding about the Rueben being the best in Canada. However that statement definatly applies to this weeks special of a Roasted turkey breast with swiss on a croissant with walnut apple and raisins!
The cultural crawl was also mentioned at
http://dorkville.wetpaint.com/thread/4435703/Why+Culture+is+dying+in+DORKVILLE