History
The 2018 Bobcaygeon Communities in Bloom project first met in early May this year. Impact 32 contacted integral community groups and, based on their initial positive responses, they sent the deposit required to meet the entry deadline. Everyone was then invited to a meeting to decide how we would move ahead. Next -- the challenge began to pull together, as we began working toward a common goal, each with our own areas of expertise and responsibility. We were determined to 'make it happen' and immediately began planning how best to do that.
While the groups included were individuals and organizations who would represent the whole Bobcaygeon community, it was widely recognized that many more volunteers would be needed.
Partners
organizations
Bobcaygeon Agriculture Society
In 1792, John Simcoe helped organize the Agricultural Society of Upper Canada and as early at 1895, a Fall Fair parade was held and it is still running today. The Fall Fair began as a time set aside for all the farmers and their families, from inside and outside the municipality, to show off their hard work throughout the year. We now enjoy the fruit of their work and they make our Fair what it has always been – The Daddy of em All. Today's Fair celebrates our farmers with agricultural displays, horse shows, tractor pulls and livestock showings. Our heritage can be seen in the many homecraft items submitted for exhibit, including the stunning array of handmade quilts. A wide array of produce and horticultural items is available for viewing along with creative projects made by our local children. This year marks the 160th Annual Bobcaygeon Fall Fair.
Bobcaygeon Chamber of Commerce
The Bobcaygeon and Area Chamber of Commerce is committed to providing leadership, support and communication for a healthy business community to ensure a high quality of life for all. The Chamber is the busiest service provider in our community, with responsibilities that involve events, business sector representations, provincial government and licensing and tourism related information. It operates all three main functions, i.e., business contact, tourist information and Ministry of Transportation licensing from one central location beside Lock 32.
Bobcaygeon Horticultural Society
The goals of our Society are to encourage interest and improvement in horticulture, by • holding meetings respecting the theory and practice of horticulture • encouraging the planting of trees, shrubs, and flowers on public and private grounds • promoting balcony and community gardening and outdoor beautification • arranging field trips, contests, competitions and exhibitions related to horticulture and awarding prizes • distributing seeds, plants,bulbs,flowers,trees, and shrubs • promoting the protection of the environment • promoting the circulation of horticultural information through any media • promoting the benefits of therapeutic horticulture, and • stimulating an interest in the study of horticulture.
Bobcaygeon Kinettes
Kinsmen, Kinette & Kin clubs across the country work to better their communities, enhance the well being of Canadians and improve the environment. The Kinnette's aim is to specifically serve the Bobcaygeon Community but make donations to many associations outside of the community. Special thank you to Shirley Grills for her help -- the Communities in Bloom team appreciates your support.
Boyd Heritage Museum
The Boyd Heritage Museum has been an important look into local history in Bobcaygeon and the surrounding area. Our artifacts and archives tell the story of how Bobcaygeon and its economic and social environment came to be.
The Canada Day Committee
The Canada Day volunteers never let us down... Don’t miss the biggest Canada Day party ever in the Kawartha Lakes as we celebrate Canada’s 151st anniversary of Confederation on July 1, 2018! Two official sites will feature family friendly programming on the day, including live entertainment, children/adult games and races, as well as the spectacular Canada Day fireworks, which will be taking place around 10:00 p.m. on the evening of July 1. And yes, it’s all free!
Environmental Action Bobcaygeon
Wilderness Park is an initiative of Environmental Action Bobcaygeon (EAB), a not-for-profit organization founded in 2008. Our mandate is to encourage, promote, and complete projects that will benefit the environment and the community.
The Gamiing Nature Centre
Our Mission is to share the enjoyment and importance of living in harmony with nature by providing eco-educational experiences to engage the community in: balancing human needs with the needs of nature in our everyday lives •discovering plants, animals and water life •becoming stewards of our water, land and air •working toward a sustainable ecosystem for future generations. Mieke Schipper and her family have donated a conservation easement agreement to the Kawartha Land Trust on their Pigeon Lake property. The property is home to outdoor education with 7 kms of public trails that run through the forests and shoreline.
Impact 32
Impact 32 is a volunteer steering committee made up of local business owners and community organizers. We impact the growth of Bobcaygeon’s year-round economic development and community beautification for the benefit of all residents, businesses and tourists. We identifiy, organize, promote and raise funds for community based initiatives. Impact 32 initiated this year's Communities in Blooms entry, taking on the role of co-ordinating local groups and submitting the official entry. Impact 32 volunteers are all donating their time and skills to the project. Primary Co-ordinator is Ann Adare, Communicator & Webbie is Bonnie Harris, and Photo Artist is Michele Dames. Impact 32's Vibrant Village team is also dedicated to making Communities in Bloom a vibrant and beautiful experience -- you'll see their contributions all over town (think paddles, mural, hanging baskets and much more).
Kawartha Land Trust Big (Boyd/Chiminis) Island
The Kawartha Land Trust (KLT) is a non-governmental organization and registered charity dedicated to conserving the natural environment and enhancing quality of life in the Kawarthas. We do this by accepting donations of ecologically-significant lands and/or interests in lands and the connections between them, and engaging the community in support of this work to ensure these lands are cared for, in perpetuity. Located in Pigeon Lake, Big (Boyd/Chiminis) Island is the largest undeveloped island in the Kawarthas and it sits in Bobcaygeon’ s backyard. Kawartha Land Trust has undertaken a restoration and stewardship program on the Island which now includes two trail loops totaling 8.4 kms now open to the public. Protecting the land you love.
Settlers' Village
Kawartha Settlers’ Village was established in 1990 with the goal to preserve the history and culture of the Bobcaygeon area which was slowly disappearing. Today, the Village is run by the Kawartha Region Arts and Heritage Society.
Lions Club
The Bobcaygeon Lion’s Club is a very active group – their motto being “we serve”. The Lions Club helps to meet the needs of the community and the world every day because they share a core belief - to serve their community. In addition to their Guide Dog and humanitarian work, the Lions are key fundraisers and event supporters in our village. Our Lion’s provide our community members, in particular our youth, with an opportunity for personal development through volunteering. The Bobcaygeon Lions club regularly rally volunteer clean-up crews in the village, helping to keep our parks and public areas clean and safe.
Residential
Bobcaygeon Heights
Case Manor
Front Street
Pinecrest
Port 32
Retirement Suites of Kawartha Lakes
Riverside Drive/Big Bob
Russell Hill
Victoria Place
Village core
Agriculture
Bobcaygeon Farmers' Market
The Bobcaygeon Farmer’s Market (100km) - Open every Saturday from 8am – 1pm, May thru October at the Fairgrounds located at 47 Mansfield Street. In its 9th year, it has an amazing lineup of Vendors who are all from within 100 km – and most are from right here in beautiful Bobcaygeon! For you garden, you will find local compost, wonderful pieces of garden art and herbs, annuals and perennial planting stock. You can dress up your home or cottage with bunches of seasonal fresh cut flowers and hand-crafted items. You can take a moment and chat with “The Bee Guy”, our local bee keeper, and learn about bees, sustainability and the prolific pollinators nurtured at the 500 hives housed at Kawartha Lakes Honey. The Farmer’s market has a fine selection of local cheeses, meats, fish, fruits, veggies, herbal products, snacks, spices, sauces, baked goods, sweets, maple syrup, honey and beeswax products. The Market also houses a Community table that is available each week, for local community groups and volunteer organizations to provide information and interact with the Market’s valued customers. Stop by and see what’s happening!