Woodland Villa’s annual Country Fair creates strong community atmosphere
Pictured above, Woodland Villa resident Gladys Atchison and her daughter Donna Krites were among the 400 people attending Woodland Villa’s annual Country Fair on Aug. 16.
Family member applauds ‘great atmosphere and sense of community’
LONG SAULT, Ont. – Woodland Villa resident Gladys Atchison and her daughter Donna Krites had big smiles on their faces as they strolled around the grounds of the Cornwall-area long-term care home during its 11th annual Country Fair Aug. 16.
This was the first time the mother and daughter had attended the fair, which is the home’s flagship annual event. Gladys spent two months selling tickets for the event’s prize draws. She said she “lost count” of how many tickets she sold.
Donna said she enjoyed seeing all the faces from the community stopping by her mother’s home.
“I love it here – I am very disappointed I can’t spend the whole day here,” Donna said of the fair.
“I grew up in this area, so it’s just nice to see a lot of the old faces and see Mom out enjoying herself in the sun. There’s a great atmosphere and sense of community. It’s nice to see everybody away from the regular routine.”
About 400 people attended the event, which ran from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. With clear skies and pleasant, warm weather throughout the day, it’s no wonder there was such a great turnout, said administrator Janna Sabourin.
Janna added that the Country Fair is not only Woodland Villa’s largest event, it’s also a major annual gathering for the local community.
The Country Fair featured horse rides, live entertainment, raffles, and lots of activities for children, including a petting zoo, games and bouncy castles. Volunteers Kevin and Shelley Osborne worked the barbecue. The fair also brought several local vendors to the home.
Proceeds raised from selling refreshments and raffle tickets will be donated to the home’s residents’ council.
The Country Fair was also an opportunity to recognize the recipients of Woodland Villa’s Everyday Hero, Inspired Leadership and Lifetime Achievement awards. Keep reading The OMNIway to learn about these remarkable people in upcoming days.
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