South Frontenac Rec & Liesure - Fair Clubs, Hobbies & More

Kelli McRobert | Mar 20, 2024

This past weekend South Frontenac showcased its local recreational offerings at the Verona Lion’s Hall. 25 different organizations set up and offered a glimpse of what excellent programs are available for residents to enjoy.

Each organization had a station where guests could ask questions and find out more about what they were offering.

One of the most notable was the beekeeping display by the Limestone Beekeepers Guild. These ladies brought some fun displays and were in full gear demonstrating the fascinating world of apiary magic. They welcome new members and you can find details of their next meeting online at https://limestonebeekeepersguild.com/guild-meetings.

South Frontenac Township had their usual well-adorned table and offered up free items including cups, pens, and stress balls. They were also reminding everyone of their Day Camp. Children ages 4 - 12 are welcome to join the “enthusiastic, energetic, caring staff members in a safe environment that encourages children to realize their potential and follow their dreams,” in the words of the township’s promotional material. Camps are offered in one-week sessions in July and August.

Another program that was on offer was the Lifesaving Society Swimmer Program, which takes place in two-week course sessions. The 6-level program starts by teaching children how to swim in shallow water. Swimmer progressions accommodate children 4 - 5 years and older including absolute beginners as well as swimmers who want to build on the basics.

Swim Lessons are offered at Sydenham Point Park, Gilmour's Point Park in Battersea, and McMullen Beach in Verona. Check out the South Frontenac website for more details. 

Kingston Frontenac Public Library were on hand with information about the expansive in person and online offerings that are available for library patron. New Leaf Link (Nell) had a table as well.

NeLL's mission is to foster an environment for personal growth, connections through friendship, and community belonging.” To find out more about this fantastic organization check out www.newleaflink.ca.

The Not So Amateur Amateurs were on hand and they provided tasty hot popcorn and cotton candy for a donation. When I began chatting with Sid, I was curious as to what his group was about. He went on to explain that they (with Christine Harvey) are a “non-profit youth theater company located in Inverary, Ontario. Their fundraising is done through various productions, traveling performances, face painting, character services, and party rentals.”

He was passionate about what they have been doing for the past 15 years and said they will “be offering up fun camps for kids that include Lego robotics, buskers, games, CSI camp, musical theatre, ninja camps, and more”, as noted on their website. www.nsaatheatre.com.

The sports on hand were the SF Stocksport Club which has a beautiful new covered location at Centennial Park and is always welcoming to new members and, recently received an award from the Township for their America Cup event held in July of 2023. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Frontenac Pickleball Club had paddles and balls on hand to answer any questions about their 50+ club which also plays at Centennial Park and offers recreational play for all skill levels. They are looking forward to moving outdoors as soon as the weather permits. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Frontenac County Minor Softball Association had their information on hand and reminded players that the 2024 registration season opened on March 1st and players can contact their area association page for specific times and locations near them (if available for their area). See fcmsa.ca/registration for details.

Elements Fitness and Wellness were sharing their details on the extensive programs they run, such as health coaching, team building, ninja, and of course, the gym. Their camps will be back this year and registration can be completed online.

Farm boxes will be offered at Elements this summer as well, with a diverse collection of seasonal produce each week. The season will run from June 13 - October 10, 2024, and members will now have the option to “customize” their weekly boxes with farm credits. Elements will be hosting a spring workshop for all members to “learn about their planting practices and what to expect over the coming season.” Check out www.elementsfitnessandwellness.com for more details.

Other groups that came out were the Verona Community Association -veronacommunity.on.ca, the South Frontenac Museum showing us some great old tools for tapping trees - southfrontenacmuseum.ca, and the Frontenac Society of Model Engineers (on Facebook or FSME.ca) that offer train rides from May to October in Battersea Park. The Frontenac Farmer’s Market were offering gift bags filled with tasty treats and surprises including maple candy from Votary Farms, shot glass from Brass Point Farm, Northern Cross Farms Goat Milk soap, and Courtland Apothecary handmade soap samples. The first market day for 2024 is May 10th, from 3pm-7pm.

Overall, it was an interesting event with passionate people promoting local groups, clubs, food, and community for all to share. T

he trouble now is choosing. The attendance this year was not as high as organisers had hoped, perhaps because the fair took place during the second weekend of the March break.