Mallorytown Celebrates Citizen of the Year, Senior of the Year, Successful OTF Grant and So Much More at the 15th Annual Mallorytown Village Fair

Celebration and community spirit filled the air as hundreds gathered for the 15th annual Mallorytown Village Fair & Artisan Show, an event that has grown into one of Front of Yonge Township’s most cherished traditions. This year’s fair highlighted outstanding local citizens, showcased traditional skills, celebrated a major provincial grant, and reaffirmed a simple truth that echoed throughout the day: Mallorytown Matters.

Front of Yonge Mayor Roger Haley, speaking on behalf of council, proudly presented the Citizen of the Year Award to longtime volunteer Gita Morton, recognizing her “outstanding dedication, selfless service, and lasting contributions to our community.” Visibly surprised, Gita expressed heartfelt gratitude. Her leadership, generosity, and unwavering commitment have touched Mallorytown in countless ways over the years.

The Senior of the Year Award was presented to Helen Senecal, who was equally astonished by the honour. Known for her compassion and many contributions, Senecal’s efforts have helped make Mallorytown a better place to live. In a delightful coincidence, she also placed second in the People’s Choice Garden Contest, part of the Yonge in Bloom awards presented during the fair.

Local MPP Steve Clark joined residents and municipal staff to celebrate the township’s successful receipt of a $74,100 Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) capital grant. The funding will support accessibility improvements at the Mallory Coach House and Tony Kall Heritage Park.

Clark reiterated comments from a recent press release, noting that the investment “supports the incredible work of dedicated local volunteers and the Township of Front of Yonge to preserve and showcase the rich history of Mallorytown.” The upgrades, he added, will make the community space “more accessible and welcoming for residents and visitors alike.” His closing remark, “Mallorytown Matters!” could have easily served as the theme of the entire day.

Village Fair Committee Chair Barb Morrison, who has led the event since its inception, wholeheartedly agrees with Clark’s sentiment. The fair began in 2010 when four members of the Junetown Women’s Institute decided Mallorytown deserved a celebration of its own. Fifteen years later, the fair, built on heart and history, has blossomed into a vibrant community showcase powered by approximately 80 volunteers.

This year’s volunteer team included a crew of 20 who set up the park Friday night, returned bright and early Saturday morning to finish last-minute preparations, and stayed after everyone had left to tear down the tents, signs and clean up. Another 10-15 people ran the kitchen while 20 volunteers rotated shifts at the gates and a team of four managed the 50/50 ticket table. Barb’s daughters and grandchildren also assisted at the Community Bake Table and wherever needed.

Funds raised at the fair support numerous local groups, including the Front of Yonge School, the Legion, the library, St. Paul’s Church, the local soccer team, the Heritage Centre and Special Olympics. Donations at the entrance gates are shared between the Athens and Brockville food banks.

Attendance typically ranges between 600 and 700 visitors, and Barb notes the fair has never had a rainy day yet. She credits the ongoing support of local businesses, organizations and residents for the yearly event’s success and beams with pride knowing her family shares her commitment to community, as they assist alongside her.

Volunteer Alison Wilson, a community member and hardworking Mallorytown Village Fair Committee member, coordinated the impressive artisan show, featuring close to 60 local vendors, heritage demonstrations and reenactors, face painting, pony rides, a petting zoo, a special appearance by Snow White, Magician John Pert, The Bubble Guy, the band County Road 5, music provided by DJ Mel Hunt and more. Alison noted that the fair is most definitely a family and neighbourhood affair, as her daughter was part of the team overseeing the 50/50 ticket sales and her neighbour Rob Sinclair stepped up once again this year to be the MC and did a wonderful job.

Organizers ensured there was something for everyone. Inside the historic Drive Shed, visitors watched Elaine Horemans operate the Purvis Loom, a beautifully preserved weaving loom salvaged from a local property. Elaine from Lyndhurst, along with Betsy Walters of Portland, demonstrated weaving and spinning as members of the Kingston Hand Weavers and Spinners, encouraging guests to explore traditional textile arts.

Reenactor James Dobson, with 45 years of experience, displayed an impressive collection of furs once used in trade. Nearby, Gordon Chisamore, a reenactor for 40 years, taught visitors primitive rope-making and knot-tying skills, talents he says he began developing as a Boy Scout.

In another tent, Janice Penney spun wool into yarn while Gwen Sabourin showcased intricate needle tatting. John from Miss Mary’s Honey was set up with sweet honey offerings for visitors to purchase. One of the original vendors, Miss Mary’s Honey, still loves being part of the community fair.

Friends of Front of Yonge Public Library hosted a big book sale and sold tickets for their special fundraiser with a draw for a beautiful quilt made and generously donated by Debbie Zabloski and a lovely painting created and gifted by artist Caroline Hosick. For those looking to get in on the draw before the Nov. 17 ticket pull, you can email friends.foypl@gmail.com.

The Community Centre housed entries for the baking, preserve, vegetable, flower and craft competitions, showcasing local talent in several categories.

Young Joseph Wright, age 12, proudly displayed his steam engine collection, caringly arranged in dedication to the memory of Ernie Jackson, who assembled most of the collection. Joseph’s sisters, Evelyn and Elizabeth, took turns talking about their fancy chickens and other pretty poultry on display.

Guests toured the Mallory Coach House Museum, learning about Canada’s first Mallorytown Glassworks and its founder, Amasa Mallory. A striking aquamarine cullet gifted by Lyndhurst resident Art Shaw shimmered in the display, illustrating the legendary colour of Mallorytown glass.

A wall constructed from the same Potsdam sandstone once melted in the crucible to create Mallorytown glass offered a unique touch. Accessibility, a municipal priority, is evident in the wheelchair lift available for visitors accessing the second-floor exhibits. Knowledgeable summer students Christina and Gwen guided guests through displays, including a popular exhibit featuring fool’s gold.

From award presentations to artisan showcases, heritage demonstrations, volunteers, sponsors and fun family activities, the 15th annual Mallorytown Village Fair & Artisan Show reminded everyone: Mallorytown Matters!