North Star High School hosts annual “Springfest” vendors event

Ted Rocheleau displays Butch’s Best BBQ Sauce

Tote bags, chocolates, jewelry, books, charcuterie boards and wood carvings.

Those were just a few of the items that were for sale at North Star High School last Saturday. North Star hosted its third annual Springfest and once again, it was well attended.

According to teacher/organizer Sam Thomas, there were over 200 vendors who were set up in the gym, down hallways and outside.

“They are all different. It’s everything you can think of. It’s one of our big fundraisers of the year,” said Thomas.

Springfest came as an idea following the popular Pumpkinfest that was a fall tradition for over 30 years at the now closed Western Secondary School.

Pumpkinfest will be held at North Star in the fall and both events help raise funds for such things as field trips, bus trips and even signage.

According to Thomas, one of the reasons they are so successful is because of the volunteer hours put in by as many as 50 students.

Some of them were busy working in the kitchen, preparing and serving lunch.

“They know their jobs and they are so helpful. They helped the vendors carry their boxes in and they will help them at the end of the day.”

Springfest was a busy scene at North Star High School in Amherstburg April 26.

Annette Rochon and her daughter Sam Gagnon were one of the vendors as their company – Luna Xpressions had lots of interesting items. The duo even came to Springfest wearing matching shirts.

Ted Rocheleau was busy selling his Butch’s Best BBQ Sauce but as he explained, it’s not just for what’s being cooked on the grill. He said the different varieties can be put on everything from eggs to apples.

“Our sauces are tangy and sweet,” said Rocheleau. We have five different levels of heat. Our extreme is seven-and-a-half out of ten for hot.”

His entrepreneurial spirit was shining through and he said that he has been making the sauce since 2020 and is already being sold in 50 stores.

By Fred Groves