Last week’s potluck supper and outdoor concert at Augusta Street Park in Almonte drew a record crowd that approached two hundred people from across the community. It was the perfect summer evening with a bright sky, a light breeze, and a smile on everyone’s face.
Augusta Street Park is located at the intersection of Augusta, Mercer, and Marshall Streets in Almonte. It can be reached easily via Mercer Street from Ottawa Street, or via Augusta Street from Martin Street North. A record crowd turned out for the July 9th potluck supper and free outdoor concert.
The line-up at the meal tables was never long, and the amount and variety of food was amazing. There was plenty of room to set up lawn chairs and enjoy the evening. The laughter of children was mixed with the murmur of summer conversation in all directions. It was an all ages event that included toe tapping grandparents, shy teens, and young parents with babies and toddlers. Friends gathered, new acquaintances were introduced, and the community garden was admired by all.
The Augusta garden includes a collaborative community garden as well as individual allotment gardens for which there is no charge. Weekly ‘weed and learn’ sessions are held during the growing season every Thursday evening from 6:30-8:30 p.m. to share knowledge, mentor new gardeners, weed the beds, and share fellowship. The contact is Jeff Mills of The Mills Community Support Corporation jmills@themills.on.ca.
The free music concert started at 6:00 p.m. with an open mic session of impressive local talent. The headliner for the July 9th event was Terry Tufts, a singer and guitarist of renown with seven albums to his credit.
Terry Tufts has been playing music since he was nine, starting with the mandolin. His professional career began in 1974. “His stirring melodies are supported by sophisticated finger-style guitar orchestrations.” Borealis Records
There are three more free outdoor concerts this month at Augusta Street Park. Things to bring along include a lawn chair, picnic plate, cup and cutlery. On the 23rd, please contribute a potluck item for supper. Don’t forget to invite a friend or neighbour.
July 16th Strawberry Jam Dixieland Band – Almonte Civitan Club BBQ
July 23rd Jennifer Noxon and Brendan Gawn – potluck picnic
July 30th Judge A Book – Almonte Civitan Club BBQ