Crafters, artisans, community groups and more lined the halls, cafeteria and filled the gymnasium at North Star High School for the second annual “Springfest.”
Presented as a fundraiser for the school, the event is in the same spirit as the popular “Pumpkinfest” which migrated from Western Secondary School to North Star High School after the former closed. Staff members Roma Williamson and Samantha Thomas helped organize the event and were happy with how it went.
Thomas noted local radio station CKBG 107.9 The Burg was on hand and that was an addition this year. Students from North Star have a show on the station every Saturday.
Williamson stated they had 231 vendor spaces occupied by 208 vendors, pointing out that some vendors took two spots.
Vendors were both inside and outside the Simcoe St. building.
“The weather held off, only a wind outside,” said Thomas. “The rain held off, so we’re happy.”
Departments and clubs within the school took part in “Springfest” and raised money for their programs but Thomas pointed out they have a large goal for the school they wish to accomplish. Much of the proceeds raised at “Springfest” will be put towards a new electronic sign they wish to install at the front of the school.
One of the clubs that took part in this year’s “Springfest” was the eco-team. Addyson Walker, Joshua Heber and Ella Hrynyk helped run the team’s table in the cafeteria. Heber said they had a lot of interested people stop by with Walker adding peppers, tomatoes and basil were among the popular items sold.
“It’s been very busy,” said Walker.
Brendan Sparling helped show some of the items outside of the school’s machining class. He also said it was busy with a lot of people interested.
Things were chilly outside in the wind, with a few of the vendors packing up early and leaving, but there were others who braved the colder than normal temperatures. Morghan Shearon and Destiny Hamel from The House Youth Centre were on hand to let people know about what happens there, with the youth centre located just around the corner from the high school.
“We’re trying to do some outreach for the golf tournament,” Shearon added.
The House’s 22nd golf tournament is July 13 at Sutton Creek Golf Club in McGregor.
Madonna Beaudette from Unique Books and Gifts in Windsor said she regularly attended “Pumpkinfest” at Western and has made the transition to North Star for both that craft show and “Springfest.” Beaudette added the local shows are usually good for her business and this year’s “Springfest” was “so far, so good” for them.
“It’s been a steady flow of customers,” she said. “It’s been good.”
Beaudette said they have been going to shows for 15 years and plan to return for the shows at North Star High School yearly.
Springfest returns to North Star High School
By Ron Giofu