A little bit of rain is a good thing, as it drove people indoors, where they could enjoy the North Dundas Local Business Expo. Tinkess Photo

WINCHESTER – At this time of year, most people are hoping for the sun to shine, temperatures to rise and the chance of frost to be almost non-existent.

Unless, that is, you’re hosting an indoor event, like the North Dundas Local Business Expo which took place last Sat., April 26 at the Joel Steele Community Centre and the Winchester arena. Then, just a bit of rain could be a good thing, and it most definitely was.

With the event essentially a sell out in terms of vendors and exhibitors, the only thing needed was a good crowd, there was no need to worry, because on a rainy day, inside was the place to be.

The event, which was hosted by the Township of North Dundas and the North Dundas Chamber of Commerce was a success on many levels. There were approximately 15 new businesses exhibiting along with many more that have called North Dundas home for many years.

Interested in a new kitchen? North Dundas Cabinetry & Woodworking could help you out. Need some legal advice? Representatives of Grenkie, Remillard and Reynolds LLP might have an opinion. Considering taking up golf? Cloverdale Links Golf Course might have something that would interest you. Got leaky pipes? H2OS will solve that problem, and quickly.

The point is, there were people with solutions to problems you might not even be aware of, and they were all in one place, showing without a doubt that shopping local can often be the best choice.

There were also several local organizations and service clubs in attendance happily displaying what they, and the area have to offer. One that seemed to be attracting a lot of attention was the Morewood Recreation Association (MRA) and an event they have planned for later this year.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, originally and still colloquially known as Orange Shirt Day, is a Canadian day of memorial to recognize the atrocities and multi-generational effects of the Canadian Indian residential school system. It occurs every year on Sept. 30, which in 2025, falls on a Tuesday. In recognition of this, the MRA is hosting a day-long event on Sat., Sept. 27 at the Morewood Community Centre.

Stephanie MacLellan is a member of the MRA, and she explained how the idea of hosting a day of Truth and Reconciliation in Morewood came to be.

“Honestly, it came from there being nothing to do. I had the day off on the 30th, and I had nothing to do in my area, so, I talked to Stephanie (Scott), who is my friend, and she’s indigenous, and I said, let’s talk about something.”

They discussed the topic, and then involved the MRA, and it started to take shape. “We started planning this in September of last year, and we are bringing it to life now so that we can bring something to the area, because there’s nothing here. You’ve got to go to Cornwall, or you can go to Ottawa, but there was nothing local.”

A full day of events is planned, starting with a Ceremonial opening with the Grand Chief, followed up with a day of learning, experience, and, hopefully, understanding.

The MRA is currently in the process of fundraising and looking for grant possibilities, but with the enthusiasm they exhibit, it should be something special.

If you came to the Expo expecting entertainment, then you would not have been disappointed either. Dr. Kaboom was first of the live stage performances, performing feats of magic with willing volunteers from the audience. There were also demonstrations by the Samurai Arts Academy, and JWSD-Evolution dancing up a storm.

And, if you didn’t mind a little bit of rain, outside in the parking lot was the Touch a Truck display, with a variety of vehicles available for a closer look than you might normally be able to enjoy.

The Local Business Expo ran from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., and there was something to do for all of that and more. When you stop to think about it, the amount of variety offered by local businesses is exceptional, and after Saturday, I’m sure that more people than ever appreciate that.