Stouffville's annual events are returning after COVID-related postponements

Yorkregion.com
June 30, 2022

The 2022 Stouffville Strawberry Festival is set to go and no one could be more pleased than board of directors president Mike Burns.

“Cooperation from everyone involved has been amazing,” he says, noting the more than 200 volunteers; town council and staff; police and fire departments and donation providers.

“All we need now is assistance from the weatherman."

The festival takes place between July 1 and 3.

After a two-year postponement due to COVID-19, the festival is back on track, which Burns credits to an incredible group of committee leaders, each sharing a desire to revive the show. Burns also praised the committee’s vice president Harry French.

“Harry has done a fantastic job,” Burns said, suggesting he’s likely to take over as president when the general meeting is held Sept. 19.

With respect to security, Burns says York Regional Police will provide as many officers as they deem necessary. The committee has also hired an additional safeguard of men and women.

The festival officially opens on the Friday at 5:30 p.m., with various onstage performances in the marquee tent. Award presentations will be made to the ‘Citizen of the Year’; the ‘Sports Personality of the Year’, the “Music Town, Ontario’ recipient, as well as the ‘Youth of Tomorrow’ award, which will be given to 15-year-old Presha Bhavsar of Stouffville.

WRITING CONTEST

Stouffville’s Royal Canadian Legion is hosting a senior creative writing competition. Participants must be at least 55 years old.

Submissions may include poems, essays, memoirs or short stories. The deadline is July 18, with winners to be announced in September. Each category offers a reward of $100 and is available to anyone living in Ontario.

For additional information and entry forms, contact Rochelle D’Souza at 905-640-5577.

“This is an opportunity to flaunt your hidden talent,” says D’Souza.

FOX RUN RETURNS

The Strawberry Festival isn't the only event that's returning after a long hiatus, The Terry Fox Run will take place in Stouffville’s Memorial Park on Sept. 18.

The last event in 2019 drew more than 800 participants and volunteers. Over $50,000 was raised for cancer research, bringing the total, since 1982, to $2.1 million.

“We’re so excited to once again get together,” says run chair Stacey FitzPatrick. “The 5K course will remain the same -- we can walk, run, cycle or rollerblade.”

Cancer survivors are especially invited, FitzPatrick added. All will be honoured in the park before the run begins, recognized through the wearing of red T-shirts. Similarly attired will be entry teams representing business; service clubs; church adherents and families.

The shirts can be preordered through the email address tfox.stouffville@gmail.com or by calling 416-768-6971.