MEAFORD INDEPENDENT, AUGUST 28, 2025 (COVER)

On the evening of Thursday, August 21, the Georgian Trail in Meaford became something entirely new. Located near Bridge Street and Denmark Street, the familiar stretch of path was transformed into Art in the Wild, a playful, surprising, and deeply engaging celebration of creativity in the heart of nature.

Instead of gallery walls, there were trees and fences. Instead of the quiet hush of a museum, there was the sound of conversation, children’s laughter, and the strum of guitar strings. Music drifted through the trees as local guitarists Bill Monahan and Richard Ebbs played for the crowd. The trail, normally a route for walking and cycling, became a place to pause.

For one evening only, more than 30 local artists and two musicians turned the trail into an outdoor art experience.

Visitors began at the gazebo which marks the beginning of the trail, picking up a mocktail and a passport that became both a guide and a game. Each artist offered a conversation and a stamp, making the journey as much about connection as discovery. The weather was perfect, and the turnout remarkable: between 400 – 600 visitors came, filling nearby car parks.

What people discovered was remarkable in its variety. Vintage Tupperware cups lined the path in a measured procession, marking distance while stirring nostalgia. There were flying vulvas, homages to crows, reflective surfaces that bent and remade the landscape, and a wide range of paintings. Some works asked questions about waste and what we leave behind. Others embraced the glow of stained glass against the sun.

Co-organizer Viz Saraby introduced a host of safety signage along with her recurring character Cone, inspired by the humble safety cone that dots our streets. In her work, Cone raises questions about how the word safety has been redefined to also include psychological safety. Saraby’s work turns a symbol of physical safety into a source of humour and critique on authority and caution.

Another highlight came from Nisa Cornforth, who used driftwood, linen, and crystal to create a delicate installation. Her work invited visitors to reflect on the thin line between protection and confinement.

Mikael Sandblom encouraged people to pause and rediscover beauty in the everyday through his experimental works depicting clouds and waves. His pieces felt at once familiar and transformative.

Equally striking was Jessica Kenyon’s work, which placed synthetic forms into the natural environment. Her juxtapositions prompted visitors to reflect on the tension between the artificial and the organic.

It was art freed from its usual context, placed where it had to contend with the breeze, the changing light, and the curiosity of passersby. For many of the artists, the trail offered more interaction and genuine conversation in four hours than they might experience in a month-long gallery show.

The event was organized by Viz Saraby and Nisa Cornforth, with support from the Meaford Culture Foundation. Councillor Rob Uhrig, speaking on behalf of the Foundation, praised the innovative use of the Georgian Trail and applauded the artists and organizers for creating such a popular event.

What stood out most, however, was the atmosphere, conversation, laughter, and genuine curiosity. Artists found themselves not only sharing their work but forming new connections with each other and with the public.

By the time the sun dipped, Art in the Wild had left an imprint on the community. The response was clear: people want more and are calling for the event to become an annual tradition.

For now, the Georgian Trail is once again quiet, its fences and branches bare of art. But for one evening in August, it became something unforgettable, a gallery without walls where art and nature lived side by side, and the community rediscovered both in a new light.

MEAFORD INDEPENDENT, AUGUST 8, 2025

This summer, the Georgian Trail is getting a wild makeover. Art in the Wild, a pop-up art experience in Meaford, will be on for one night only on Thursday, August 21, from 4 – 8 p.m. Stretching between Bridge Street and Denmark Street, the trail will be transformed into an open-air art gallery, featuring 30+ local artists and two musicians, with installations and performances tucked into trees, along fences, and scattered across the landscape. Expect the unexpected: art that surprises, delights, and invites you to look twice.

“It’s part walk, part art show, part treasure hunt,” said organizers Viz Saraby and Nisa Cornforth. “You never know what you’ll find around the next bend.”

Visitors will receive an Art in the Wild ‘passport’ at the Gazebo (Kilometre Zero), the event’s starting point. The passport encourages guests to engage with artists along the trail: after chatting about their work, the artist will mark your passport. Visitors who collect the most signatures will be eligible for creative prizes donated by the artists themselves. It will be a playful way to spark conversation and connection, and a chance to walk away with a small piece of local art.

At the Gazebo, you’ll also find artist info pages, with short descriptions that explain what each artist creates. To learn more? You’ll have to go find them on the trail.

And while you wander, enjoy a refreshing mocktail, meet neighbours, and soak up the incredible talent Meaford has to offer.

• Free admission
• Start at the Gazebo (Kilometre Zero)
• Thursday, August 21
• Rain date: August 28

Don’t miss this unforgettable fusion of art, nature, and community spirit. Whether you’re a seasoned art lover or a curious explorer, Art in the Wild promises to be a magical evening off the beaten path.

MEAFORD INDEPENDENT, APRIL 3, 2025

Art and performance lovers will want to attend Meaford Hall on Friday, April 11, from 5-7 pm for the (Extra)ordinary art opening and featuring the MOB group. MOB is a new group who love to sing catchy, popular songs who get together for singalongs (think Choir, Choir, Choir). Everyone is welcome to watch, sing along, and join. No talent necessary.

The art show has work by local artists Mikael Sandblom, Viz Saraby, and Beth Greenblatt. All three artists invite viewers to discover the extraordinary within the everyday, revealing unexpected beauty, hidden stories, and new ways of seeing the familiar.

MEAFORD INDEPENDENT, MARCH 27, 2025 (COVER)

If you took a stroll around Meaford last summer, you may have noticed lawn signs for the Tidbits Meaford History Project. This initiative, led by Viz Saraby and Mikael Sandblom, has been bringing Meaford’s rich history to life through interactive experiences and storytelling. Originally funded by an Ignite Grant from George Brown College, the first phase of the project resulted in the creation of thematic walking tours, including the ‘Trains & Industry Walk’ and the ‘Downtown & Disasters Walk’, guiding users through notable historical events and locations. These stories were also compiled into an online archive at www.tidbits.site, preserving and sharing tidbits of Meaford’s past. The first phase’s success is a testament to the collaborative efforts of Meaford’s long-term residents who generously shared their knowledge and stories, as well as the invaluable support of the Municipality of Meaford and the Meaford Museum.

Saraby and Sandblom, both with backgrounds in architecture and design, were captivated by Meaford’s historic buildings, which sparked their curiosity to explore the town’s history through the voices of residents and the Museum’s archives. Their research has led to a deeper understanding of Meaford’s past. Now, thanks to a second grant of $25,000, the project will be expanding further. This funding will allow the team to complete their work and enhance accessibility to Meaford’s history. First, there will be the installation of permanent plaques for the 19 historical sites already researched, along with new signage for over 20 additional locations throughout the town. Each plaque will include a QR code, linking visitors to in-depth historical narratives, allowing them to uncover hidden stories at their own pace. Alongside the plaques, the team will be developing a Tidbits Meaford History book, and several physical 3D-printed models of significant Meaford buildings, both past and present, to be donated to the Meaford Museum. These plaques, website, book, and models will give visitors a chance to engage with the town’s history.

The project will also involve interior design and gaming students from George Brown College, who will assist with creating a digital archive in partnership with the Meaford Museum, ensuring that historical materials and stories are preserved for future generations while remaining easily accessible. For those who love technology, the students will be embracing augmented reality (AR) to offer an immersive historical experience. AR models of Meaford will allow users to explore the town’s past through their smartphones or other digital devices, blending the past and present in a dynamic way.

By providing historical experiences in multiple formats—models, a book, digital website, augmented reality, and walkable tours—Tidbits Meaford History aims to reach all audiences and make local history more accessible than ever before. This initiative not only preserves Meaford’s heritage but also deepens the community’s connection to its past, ensuring that the town’s stories will continue to be shared for generations to come.

MEAFORD INDEPENDENT, NOVEMBER 23, 2024

On November 9, EveningFest transformed Meaford Hall into a dazzling showcase of black and white elegance. Hosted by Meaford Downtown, the popular event brought together a vibrant crowd of residents and visitors to celebrate community, creativity, and connection.

One of the night’s highlights was a stunning dance performance by Annie Thompson and her troupe, Buzz 61, who captivated the audience with their expressive and dynamic movements. Generous contributions from Meaford’s local businesses, non-profits, artists, and residents made the event even more memorable.

A silent auction, featuring a range of prizes like original artwork, theatre tickets, and a walking tour of Meaford’s rich history, sparked lively bidding.

“The donated prizes were really creative,” said Rita Lee, one of the organizers. “They encourage people to get together and explore all the amazing things we have to offer.”

Proceeds from the evening will directly support Meaford Downtown’s initiatives to enhance the town’s vibrancy and make the downtown core a must-visit destination.

“This was a different kind of event, full of music, art, and creative expression of all kinds,” said emcee Tobias Sallewsky. “It was extremely impressive to see everyone decked out in black and white to match our theme…everyone except the one guy in a purple shirt,” he quipped with humour.

EveningFest encapsulates Meaford Downtown’s mission to inject fun and pride into the community. For more information about upcoming events or to support Meaford Downtown, visit www.meaforddowntown.ca.

MEAFORD INDEPENDENT, JULY 25, 2024

Summer is in full swing. The air is warm, the sun has been shining, and everywhere I look I see folks enjoying the summer weather. From hikers I meet on the Georgian Trail, to the sail boats out on the bay, to the blissful aroma of a neighbour’s backyard barbeque, many are taking full advantage of all that summertime brings.

As we near the end of July, many are highly anticipating the return of Summerfest, a relatively new event for this community, and arguably the most fun summer event introduced in this municipality in many years.

For the third year in a row, Summerfest returns to downtown Meaford as well as the harbour area from August 2-4. The first two Summerfest events brought Meaford’s downtown core to life for a mid-summer festival created and organized by downtown businesswomen, and organizers are hoping to bring the same fun with this year’s event.

As I wrote on this page after last year’s Summerfest, “The Summerfest organizers did it again. The mid-summer festival organized by three downtown businesswomen last year returned for its second edition on Saturday of the Civic Holiday long weekend, and the large crowds who filled the downtown and waterfront area were a testament to the fact that Summerfest is already a much anticipated summer event in just its second year. It’s not easy to get a new community event off the ground. It is even more of a challenge to create and stage an event that people want to see return a year later, but Summerfest has clearly appealed to many who appreciate a mid-summer festival to liven things up.”

Not enough can be said about folks who dedicated their time and energy, and sometimes their own resources to getting a new event off the ground. To stage such an event requires regular citizens, in this case a handful of downtown business owners, to roll up their sleeves and get to work. All of our favourite events are created, organized, and driven by volunteers, people who love their community and want to create some fun for their neighbours and friends.

Sometimes a new event fails to draw crowds of any significance, but that can’t be said for the Summerfest event, which in its first two editions saw swarms of folks in our downtown area, visiting the shops, enjoying the sidewalk sales and other events taking place, and that fun extends to the harbour area, showcasing the beauty of this small municipality and the energy of its residents. I think that one of the keys to the success of the event in its first two years is that it is simple, it is fun, and there is no cost to simply attend and take it all in.

The amount of work put into the organization of the Summerfest event is no doubt enormous, but the impact of the event on the business district of this municipality has been clear: the event draws crowds, large crowds, and large crowds spend money, and in a small municipality, that is a very good thing indeed.

While Summerfest features a number of events and activities for all ages, from the sidewalk sale, to a dog parade, to watching artists add their creative flair to otherwise dreary doors leading into some of the buildings downtown, one of the most popular aspects has been the creation of fun rivalries between local restaurants which compete in the poutine competition. While I have never tried poutine myself, it just doesn’t appeal to me, I am well aware that it is extremely popular with many, and as I wrote after last year’s event, “Challenging restaurants to create their own take on the iconic dish is a bit of genius in my opinion. People love food of course, but they also love competition, and the poutine competition serves up both.”

This year’s Summerfest kicks off on Friday, August 2, with a movie under the stars. Organizers are encouraging attendees to dress up as their favourite Back to the Future character for a chance to win prizes. Saturday, August 3 and Sunday, August 4 will be filled with a number of activities including a Jeep Invasion and canine water sports, along with performers, and of course food. There’s even a ’60s themed street dance planned for the Saturday night of Summerfest.

For those who love community events like Summerfest, there are more on the way, as the Labour Day long weekend’s Meaford & St. Vincent Fall Fair is fast approaching, as is the return of the Meaford International Film Festival later in September, and then of course the Scarecrow Invasion & Family Festival, so there are more community festivities on the way before the chill of winter returns.

The organizers of Summerfest should be applauded, and they have been, and will no doubt continue to be. The buzz on social media after last year’s event was one of appreciation, along with an excitement to see the event return again. When you have folks eagerly anticipating the next one, you know that the organizers have done something right.

For the first 17 years that I have lived in this municipality there had been no Summerfest, and now after two successful Summerfests, and a third just a week away, I can’t imagine Meaford not having this mid-summer festival. I hope that it becomes a staple in this community for many years to come.

Many thanks to the creators and organizers of Summerfest: your hard work and enthusiasm does not go unnoticed. And as I have also written in the past, it is just the sort of event that Meaford needed as we were coming out of the pandemic period, a time when we were frequently kept separated, when there were no public events to be found. As we have all learned from the pandemic experience, life is much more fulfilling when we can gather together as a community to celebrate something as simple as the summer season.

Summerfest is good for this community, it is good for local businesses, and it is a great way to showcase this municipality.

More information about this year’s Summerfest can be found on the Meaford Downtown Facebook page.

MEAFORD INDEPENDENT, JULY 24, 2024

For the third year in a row, Summerfest returns to downtown Meaford from August 2-4.

The first two Summerfest events brought Meaford’s downtown core to life for a mid-summer festival created and organized by downtown businesswomen, and organizers are hoping to bring the same fun with this year’s event.

This year’s Summerfest kicks off on Friday, August 2, with a movie under the stars. Dress up as your favourite Back to the Future character for a chance to win prizes.

On Saturday, August 3, the downtown will be busy with a community yard sale, a Beautiful Joe dog parade, a Jeep Invasion, capped off with a street dance with a ’60s theme.

The fun continues on Sunday, August 4, with the continuation of the sidewalk sale, and ‘Poutine-off’ events among others.

“Grab your $2 Poutine-Off passports at these local businesses: The Keep Refillery-Meaford, Crystal Dragon, Craig Gallery, Little Wren Hair Studio, The Red Apple, and Meaford Chamber of Commerce, and support our community events,” said organizers. “This year we have 12 restaurants participating: The Dam Pub, Franny’s Mercato, The Leeky Canoe, Sheardown’s, Amici’s, Meaford Social, Jake’s Grab & Go, Savvy Meaford, Red Door, McGinty’s, Eggcitement Bistro, and Tilly’s Cafe. It’s going to be an epic battle! Your support helps Meaford Downtown continue hosting these fantastic events, strengthening our local businesses. The passport is your ticket to vote for who you think has the best poutine. Drop off your completed passport vote at the Red Apple ballot box by 4 p.m. on Sunday, August 4.”

The winner of last year’s poutine competition was Tilly’s cafe, with Sheardown’s Wine Bar taking both second place and the People’s Choice award.

The listing of events released by organizers last week includes:

Friday:

– Movie Under the Stars: 6-8 p.m. Dress up as your favourite ‘Back to The Future’ character for a chance to win prizes.

Saturday:

– Community Yard Sale: Starts at 8 a.m.

– Beautiful Joe Dog Parade: 9-9:30 a.m.

– Canine Water Sport Canada: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

– Poutine-Off Saturday & Sunday

– Sidewalk Sale: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

– Doors of Meaford: Saturday & Sunday

– Jeep Invasion: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

– Live Podcast Recording: 12-3 p.m.

– Free Flow Visual Artistry Performance: 2-5 p.m.

– Street Dance – The ’60s Revisited: 7:30-9:30 p.m.

Sunday:

– Sidewalk Sale & Food Trucks: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

– Jeep Invasion: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

– Canine Water Sport Canada: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

– Poutine-Off continues

More information can be found on the Meaford Downtown Facebook page.

THE SUN TIMES, JULY 17, 2024

A group of business people, property owners and community members with an artistic sensibility have banded together to help inject some colour and life into Meaford’s downtown.

Meaford Downtown is a new non-profit organization dedicated to rejuvenating Meaford’s downtown core and harbourfront.

Funded wholly by donations, and independent of the municipal government, chamber of commerce and other Main Street organizations, the new group said it’s focused on creative projects designed to bring attention to Meaford’s downtown and promote the town’s events.

“We want to inject some fun and life into the town,” said the group’s spokesperson, Tobias Sallewsky. “We can focus exclusively, not on economic development, but on coming up with things that will attract people to downtown Meaford. Not just the types of events that tourists would go to, it’s also meant to get locals back into the habit of coming downtown.”

So far, Meaford Downtown’s track record of community initiatives includes projects like Bikes on Sykes, Doors of Meaford, and the Tidbits History Project.

Sallewsky said he moved to a farm about 10 kilometres outside downtown Meaford in 2009. He described the downtown then as “sleepy” with more banks, insurance agents and professional service businesses than anything.

Since then, there has been a bit of a transformation. A new modern library sits on the footprint of the old grocery store. Several restaurants (with small patios in the summer) now call the town’s main drag home, there’s an ice cream shop serving small-batch plant-based products, and a “refillery” offering zero and low-waste bulk essential goods.

“Meaford has amazing potential, and we’re here to build on the momentum from the recent 150th celebration,” said Jessica Kenyon, manager of The Keep Refillery. “I’m in the store every day, and I really feel a renewed sense of local pride.”

Current members of Meaford Downtown include Grace Morin and Kenyon, the driving forces behind Meaford’s Summer Fest; Mikael Sandblom and Viz Saraby, downtown property owners and creators of the Tidbits History Project; downtown business owners Ashley Kimmel and Bridget Light Craig; with engaged citizens Sue Johnston, Rita Lee, and Sallewsky.

“All our members are artistic people, who love this town, whether we’ve been here for 25 months or 25 years,” said Saraby. “Our goal is to promote the many interesting, creative, and entertaining downtown events like Summer Fest and to create new experiences for everyone to enjoy.”

MEAFORD INDEPENDENT, JULY 8, 2024

A passionate group of private citizens, including business and property owners, retailers and engaged residents, have come together to launch Meaford Downtown (MD), a new non-profit organization dedicated to the rejuvenation of Meaford’s downtown core and harbour area. Through innovative and creative events, exhibitions, and festivals, MD aims to enhance the vibrant spirit of the community.

The focus is on fun, engaging, and creative projects designed to bring attention to Meaford’s unique downtown. The organization has officially launched its new website, www.meaforddowntown.ca, and its social media presence on Instagram and Facebook at @meaford.downtown.

As a registered non-profit, Meaford Downtown is currently funded by donation. The website offers an easy way for supporters to contribute through online donations, ensuring the organization’s sustainability and growth.

“All our members are artistic people, who love this town, whether we’ve been here for 25 months or 25 years,” said Viz Saraby, a Director of Meaford Downtown. “Our goal is to promote the many interesting, creative, and entertaining downtown events like Summer Fest and to create new experiences for everyone to enjoy.”

The members of Meaford Downtown have a track record of adding colour and creativity to the downtown with projects like Bikes on Sykes, Doors of Meaford, and the Tidbits History Project. The organization says that “these initiatives were executed swiftly, without excessive bureaucracy or significant expense.”

“Meaford has amazing potential, and we’re here to build on the momentum from the recent 150th celebration,” added Jessica Kenyon, Manager of The Keep Refillery. “I’m in the store every day, and I really feel a renewed sense of local pride, making this the perfect time to officially launch our new website.”

Meaford has a rich history of creative events, including the annual Scarecrow Invasion & Family Festival, Meaford International Film Festival, Apple Harvest Craft Show, Summerfest, Christmas on the Bay, and many more. With the array of creative people involved in Meaford Downtown, the community can look forward to even more exciting and innovative activities in the downtown core.

Current members of Meaford Downtown include Grace Morin and Jessica Kenyon, the driving forces behind the wildly successful Summer Fest; Mikael Sandblom and Viz Saraby, downtown property owners and creators of the Tidbits History Project; downtown business owners Ashley Kimmel and Bridget Light Craig; with engaged citizens Sue Johnston, Rita Lee, and Tobias Sallewsky.

Meaford Downtown is an independent organization which will build upon the excellent work already being done by the municipality, Main Street Meaford, and the Meaford Chamber of Commerce.

For more information about Meaford Downtown, to volunteer, or to support through financial donations, visit http://www.meaforddowntown.ca or contact them at info@meaforddowntown.ca.