Submitted by Randy Vanderlaan, Peninsula Hiking Festival Committee Member
Hello, hiking enthusiasts! If you missed out on the Peninsula Hiking Festival this year, let me take you on a delightful journey through the trails, tales, and triumphs of this unforgettable event.
First off, if you were hoping to snag a last-minute ticket, you were out of luck! The festival was sold out weeks in advance. Held on October 13 and 14, 2023, the Peninsula Hiking Festival was a two-day extravaganza that celebrated the stunning beauty and rich biodiversity of the Saugeen (Bruce) Peninsula. The theme? ‘Building Connections To Nature’. And boy, did we connect!
From diving deep into the local culture and ecology to exploring the intricacies of Forest Ecology, attendees were treated to a plethora of interpretive hikes and some good old-fashioned social mingling. The program lineup, which you can check out in detail on the festival website, was nothing short of spectacular. Birding on the Rankin, exploring the geology of the Bruce Trail, and getting up close and personal with fungi in Hope Bay were just a few of the highlights.
The festival’s inception began many moons ago, with the organizing committee convening for the first time in February. At the helm of this grand venture were Festival Coordinators – Jess Pridham and Marg Glendon. Their vision, passion, and relentless energy transformed this dream into a reality that we all got to experience.
PBTC’s Communication Director, Leslie McBeth organized the registration and communication with festival participants. Her “can-do” attitude and unwavering dedication made her the unsung hero behind the scenes. And speaking of heroes, a standing ovation for our organizing committee members – Caley Doran, Lloyd Hayward, Saabir Sohrab, Tamara Wilson, Nathan Monk, Jane Greenhouse, and Randy Vanderlaan. A special shoutout to Jane, whose Silent Auction skills helped raise more than $2,000 for the Peninsula Bruce Trail Club! Over 30 local businesses and individuals generously donated toward the Silent Auction – thank you!
Friday night set the tone with a lively “Mix and Mingle” session. Imagine this: cold beer, stone-fired pizza, soulful music by two very talented young musicians, a mesmerizing presentation by the Bluewater Astronomical Society, and stories shared around a warm campfire with smores in hand. Saturday was a whirlwind of hiking activities led by very engaging subject experts and was capped off with a sumptuous three-course dinner prepared by the centre’s Chef Rob Klunder.
The highlight of Saturday evening was the inspiring keynote address by Jackie Randle, Vice President of Operations at Bruce Trail Conservancy, and the International Chair of the World Trails Network. Jackie introduced attendees to the expansive World Trails Network and the transformative International Friendship Trail program. With her deep passion for hiking and global exploration, she painted a vivid picture of World Trails Network breathtaking trails. Encouraging everyone to broaden their horizons, Jackie emphasized the importance of building connections, fostering cultural understanding, and embracing the beauty of trails around the world. Her words left an indelible mark, inspiring many to lace up their boots and embark on new adventures beyond the Peninsula.
Our gratitude extends to our generous sponsors, including Camp Celtic, Hutten & Co. Land and Shore, Red Bay Lodge, Tagwerk Bier, goodr Sunglasses, Suntrail Source for Adventure, Believer Coffee. Their support played a pivotal role in the festival’s success. Printing support from Tobermory Press for its outstanding on-site signage and Rural Rootz Nature Reserve for printing individual registration schedules helped us to find our way and know when to get there!
Held at the Bluewater Outdoor Education Centre, just west of Wiarton, the venue was the perfect embodiment of the great outdoors. Kudos to Mike Schwindt, Development Manager, for seamlessly coordinating the events at this fantastic facility.
The cherry on top? The net proceeds from the festival will be channeled towards the Peninsula Bruce Trail Club, ensuring the conservation and promotion of the Peninsula Bruce Trail.
To all the participants, volunteers, and everyone who made the Peninsula Hiking Festival 2023 a roaring success – THANK YOU! Your spirit, enthusiasm, and love for nature have etched this event in our hearts. Here’s to more trails, tales, and triumphant returns!
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Stay tuned for next year’s date!
