Purple Grove news

There's been no shortage of events lately, with the Kincardine Scottish Festival, Dungannon Rodeo, Holstein Rodeo, and this past weekend, with the Blues Festival, Monday Market in Victoria Park, and Kincardine Garden Tour. We sure are lucky to enjoy lots of activities in our own backyard! Congratulations and many thanks to those who help to make these events happen!

Last week, Cheryl Bridge, and Wendy and Jim Hooisma attended the Dungannon Pro Rodeo held at the Dungannon Fairgrounds. Wow, what a show of talent, from mutton-busting to bull-riding. The rodeo clowns sure had their work cut out making sure all the competitors were safe, and they made it so entertaining in between events.

This week, Carman and Cheryl Bridge are enjoying having all three grandsons at the farm for a bit of summer vacation.

Family and friends gathered at the home of Jim and Fran Farrell last weekend for an early celebration of their 45th wedding anniversary, when Chris Farrell and sons, Tyson and Cooper VandeSype, and Jeff Goertzen of Stony Mountain, Manitoba, were home. Everyone spent a very busy couple of weeks visiting with family and friends - fishing, swimming, attending ball games and swim meets, pottery class, combining grain, wrapping hay, antiquing, and enjoying the go-carts at Family Funland!

Jim and Fran also enjoyed the Paisley 150th Homecoming Parade, Saturday. There were beautifully-restored antique tractors and trucks, and some beautiful six-horse hitches to admire! Congratulations to the folks there for a wonderful weekend!

Mary Anne Kukoly had a good visit recently, with Sandy, Jamie and Barb, Ken and Marion McEwan.

Bren and Harvey de Leeuw and family enjoyed some travels together and had the chance to visit Story Book Park in Owen Sound. The next day, they explored the Bruce County Museum and Fairy Lake Trail in Southampton, followed by a campfire at the home of Brian, Christine and Joseph Bridge. They capped off their days of adventure with a birthday party for everyone celebrating in July and a much-needed cool swim with Becca, Thomas, Everett, Arlo and Charlotte Farrell.

Celebrating birthdays, are Bennett Bridge, four, July 7; Charlotte Farrell, five, July 8; and Sandy Bridge, July 9!

Lots of fun was had at the family cottage of Sandy and Sasha Bridge this weekend and although the water might be a little chilly for some, it certainly did not hinder Evelyn, Bennett or even Sasha from escaping the heat by getting wet! It was a perfect day and the sunset that followed was absolutely magnificent - brilliant orange glittering off the smooth surface of the lake!

Harvey and Bren de Leeuw enjoyed visiting with parents, Henry and Jackie Pope, of Port Elgin this week. They also had a great time catching up with friends, John and Matthea Hoogenboom, of Bayfield recently.

Belated birthday greetings to Sarah Farrell, and we also learned that Dave and Miriam Barrie of Kincardine recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary!

Ian MacDonald, Piper and Lochland, Stefani Simpson, Sheena and Bob Houghton and family were home over the 4th of July Weekend, catching up with their MacDonald family.

We extend our sympathy to families grieving the loss of loved ones over these past few weeks and also thinking of those who have had recent surgery and medical treatments. Our thoughts and prayers are extended to all of you.

We're sorry to hear of the loss of the Kincardine Laundromat and the other businesses that suffered damages due to the structure fire last week. Thank you to all our emergency personnel who are on duty for us 24 hours a day!

Congratulations to the Ripley Lion on another great beef barbecue Sunday evening. It was a great time for people to get together and visit with friends they haven't seen in awhile!

The next Purple Grove Women’s Institute meeting will be Aug. 14, at 9 a.m., at the home of Marilyn Reid. The meeting will focus on updating the Tweedsmuir History. The group’s program committee met recently to plan the 2024-25 events and meetings, and has an excellent line-up of interesting topics, guests and special activities planned! If you are interested in becoming a member of the Purple Grove Women’s Institute, reach out to the co-presidents: Bren de Leeuw (519-396-6521 or bren@bmts.com) or Cheryl Bridge (519-395-2428 or cherylbridge2000@yahoo.com), or secretary-treasurer Fran Farrell (519-395-5628 or farhope@hurontel.on.ca).

The Ripley-Huron Community School loved using the new tents on the Longest Day of Play. A big thank you to the community sponsors for investing in the students, and all of those who supported the fund-raisers. Jerseys are also on their way and will be showcased at cross-country in the fall. The school community council is SO thankful to the community for its generous donations to make the jersey and tent initiative successful!

RIPLEY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY

The artwork by Grade 6 student Grace VanHardeveld will be used on the front cover of the 2024 Homecraft Exhibit Book.

The agricultural society is excited to be presenting The Irish Cowboys on the fall fair main stage, Saturday, Sept. 28, at 12:30 p.m.

If you haven't heard yet, the Ripley-Huron Fall Fair - Field Crop Competition will not be judged in the field. There will only be judging of the exhibits entered in competition at the fair in September. Any questions, contact Spencer Harris at 519-525-2022.

The agricultural society is looking for volunteers to join the fruits and vegetable committee! What does this entail? You would help set up for fair weekend, accept exhibits, and display places once judged. If you are interested, send an E-mail message to ripleyfair@hurontel.on.ca.

It’s back! The T-Bone Show and Sale will take place the Saturday of fair weekend (Sept. 28). For more information, view the website at ripleyfair.ca/ in the coming days, or contact Anita at jmac@hurontel.on.ca.

The agricultural society will host a one-day canning course in October. If you are interested, send an E-mail message to  ripleyfair@hurontel.on.ca for more information.