Paddles and flower baskets decorate Bobcaygeon streets

Brightly painted paddles and colourful flower baskets can’t be missed in downtown Bobcaygeon, thanks to the efforts of Impact 32.

Bobcaygeon volunteers are endeavouring to make the village fun and attractive this summer with unique ideas such as the canoe paddle chosen to reflect Bobcaygeon’s heritage as a main waterway route for both First Nations and settlers.

Seventy wooden paddles, each uniquely painted, are showcased on poles on the main village streets. Local artists made a special effort to create work that represents favourite aspects of the village. As the summer season winds down, the paddle art will all be displayed at the Bobcaygeon Fall Fair and auctioned off to community members and merchants to raise funds for future beautification.

Meanwhile, a ladder crew has been busy hanging blooming flower baskets in the downtown core.

There’s a 1960s party going on at Kawartha Coffee’s new pad with the groovy patio at 58 Bolton. Bobcaygeoners will be releasing their inner flower child at the happening Boho Bloom Town Bash on July 7, with fabulous food, karaoke, henna artist, flowers in hair, and all the starlight one can handle. It’s all in a good cause, with funds raised to keep the village looking tidy and beautiful, including helping fund the Communities in Bloom entry. Tickets are for sale at Kawartha Coffee and online at www.VisitBobcaygeon.com.

Representatives from local volunteer groups have joined together to enter Bobcaygeon in this year’s Communities in Bloom competition. ‘Plants, people and pride . . .  growing together’ is the vision. The combined effort is proving to be an experience that’s spurring the groups on to make plans to continue working together. Anyone who wants to help Bobcaygeon win the competition can go to the website www.BobcaygeonCommunitiesInBloom.com for tips, and look for ‘seed bombs’ at any of a dozen merchants around town for just $5.

Bobcaygeon’s bike share initiative is open for business again, and all you need is a cell phone and a credit card. The bike share is located in two handy spots beside the locks, and they’re ready for residents or visitors to take for a ride.

Visitors can now easily find their way around this vibrant village by checking out the new signposts, paddle-shaped of course, and designed to complement Bobcaygeon’s charming ‘old-time cottage meets today’ feel. Thanks go to another combined effort, this one by Environmental Action Bobcaygeon and Impact 32, supported by C.H.E.S.T., Regional Tourism Organization 8, and the City of Kawartha Lakes.