By Jenn Watt

Published June 22 2017

Cars lined Gelert Road outside of Wintergreen Maple Products and Pancake Barn on Saturday as people made their way to the Food and Beverage Showcase to sample cuisine from local vendors.

Everything from craft beer to homemade pies was available for people to sample as they took in music throughout the day. The Haliburton Highlands Camera Club held a contest upstairs in Wintergreen and the main floor was filled with silent auction items.

Money raised will be divided between the Haliburton County YWCA for the women’s shelter and Help A Village Effort which partners with non-governmental organizations in India to install wells.

“There’s so much to eat I wish I could stay longer” said MPP Laurie Scott who gave a brief speech during the lunch hour. “These things don’t happen without volunteers and sponsors and the board of directors that are involved.”

Minden Hills Reeve and County Warden Brent Devolin said he visits the showcase every year and said it helps promote the food available in the Highlands.

MP Jamie Schmale said he has been to each of the four years of the event and said “it continues to grow each year. We’re supporting local as you can see and the volunteers are just amazing.”

This is the 35th anniversary of HAVE which has always been a Haliburton County charity focused on fundraising to help those overseas.

“Over those 35 years we’re averaging about 30 wells a year in the Third World and each well will supply fresh drinking water for 400 or 500 people. So each year we’re able to put in water for 10000 people” said HAVE board president Ron Reid thanking those who gave to the charity through admission to the event and throughout the year.

Note: Jenn Watt is a member of the HAVE board of directors.