West Perth is
paradise for any nature photographer or outdoor enthusiast. Wander along
the West Perth Thames Nature Trail, and explore the wetlands. You might
catch a glimpse of some of the many species of rare birds and wildlife
residing there; visit www.naturetrail.westperth.com for
more information. Whether you’re strolling down the streets of Mitchell’s beautiful
downtown or hiking beside the Mill Pond, you never know where you’ll
spot a heron, West Perth’s favourite bird. This area of the county
is perfect for hosting a family picnic. The outdoor pool, splash pad,
petting zoo and playground equipment will make you want to spend the
whole day! West Perth is also known for its great style. This is reflected
in Mitchell’s fabulous specialty shops whose staff members have
a flair for accessorizing you and your home in the most up-to-the-minute
trends. A brief trip down Highway 8 will bring you to “The Furniture
Village” of Dublin. The main street is lined with home decor boutiques
that offer up fine furnishings to suit every taste. Community celebrations
take place year round in West Perth. A few highlights include Staffa’s Maple
Syrup Festival, Mitchell’s Cornfest and the Biggest
Little Fair in Ontario—Mitchell’s 157th Annual Fall Fair.
There is never a shortage of fun or relaxation once you’ve experienced
the lifestyle and people of West Perth.
Recreation and Activities
West Perth’s Thames Nature Trail and Wetlands is well known among
birders and outdoor enthusiasts. The Mill Pond is a wonderful place to canoe
or kayak. You can paddle for quite a distance out into the countryside,
seeing many species of birds and wildlife along the way. There’s no
shortage of park areas for families to enjoy either. Mitchell’s Lions
Park, situated along the Thames River, features a new splash pad and playground
equipment as well as an outdoor pool and mini zoo. The “Lions Loop” section
of the nature trail is great for a stroll along the river or quiet time
resting on a bench. It’s also perfect for a picnic lunch or a family
reunion under the covered pavilion. Explorers can search out the hidden
geocaching locations. Sports fanatics will love West Perth’s recreational
facilities catering to golf, baseball, soccer, tennis, hockey, lawn bowling,
curling, skateboarding and shuffleboard. In the winter, go tobogganing on
Lions Park hill, go public skating at the arena or take advantage of the
many snowmobile trails.
Shopping and Treasures
The vibrant town of Mitchell provides shoppers with a unique selection
of businesses offering everything from designer clothing to home decor,
quilting supplies to hardware, bicycles to motorcycles. The friendly merchants
will welcome you like an old friend and you’ll leave knowing exactly
what small town service is all about. In the village of Dublin, furniture
is a passion. Their fine furnishings and accessories will transform any
house into a home. A leisurely drive along the routes that lead to Bornholm,
Brodhagen, Fullarton and Staffa will give you the perfect opportunity to
take advantage of West Perth’s array of farm-gate sales of fresh flowers,
fruits and vegetables. On your way through Bornholm, be sure to stop at
the old-fashioned country general store. Pick up some “new to you” treasures
during Mitchell’s Annual Community Wide Garage Sale held the last
weekend in May.
Natural Attractions and Architecture
This eco-friendly community has worked very hard at maintaining the natural
state of its magnificent parks, trails and wetlands. Come and behold West
Perth’s 10 kilometres of trail systems and 65 acres of wetlands featuring
three rehabilitated ponds. Sawyers Preservation Woodlot, located just off
Highway 23 south of Mitchell on Line 12, attracts a broad spectrum of individuals
including conservation specialists, the serious nature lover and those simply
in search of solitude. For more information on this healthy forest ecosystem,
visit www.sawyerwoodlot.org. In the fall, take a spectacular drive along
the Thames River near Fullarton and delight in nature’s brilliant
display of colour. Stop at the Fullarton Conservation Area for a picnic
or just to enjoy the beauty of the landscape
Music and Theatre
Spring summons the harmonic sound of the Mitchell Optimist Music
Festival.
This April event features a Friday evening concert with performances by
some of Ontario’s rising stars in singing, instrumentals and step
dance. In June, dancers and fiddlers of all ages take the stage for the
Mitchell Fiddlers and Steppers’ Jamboree. Enjoy the Mitchell Legion
Band during their spring concert, Mitchell Fair parade and other performances
throughout the year. The local music studio, across from the town’s
cenotaph, invites you to join in their “Random Acts of Music” jam
and open-mic sessions on Saturday afternoons, September through June from
1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Everyone is welcome, players and listeners.
Fabulous Food
Once you’ve tried West Perth’s quality farm-fresh produce,
you won’t settle for anything less. The Mitchell Farmer’s Market
takes place every Friday from May until October from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at
Centennial Park by the Information Booth. Treat yourself to a barbeque lunch
as you stroll among the vendors to make your purchases. Canada’s award-winning
butter tarts are made in West Perth by local baker, Diana Weirmier, and
are available at the market—go early as they sell out quickly! If
you can’t make it to the market for your produce, you can always go
straight to the source at West Perth’s many farm-gate sales. Pick
up a copy of the Huron Perth Buy Local Buy Fresh map at the Perth
County Welcome Centre in Shakespeare for directions to all farm-gate sales in West
Perth. Sample the hearty home cooking served up at the many family-run restaurants;
they’ll make you feel like one of their own. Area festivals celebrating
local food include the Staffa Maple Syrup Festival in March, the Brodhagen
Chicken Barbeque in July, Mitchell Cornfest in August, and the downtown
Mitchell Soupfest in October, which supports a local charity.
Arts & Crafts
Mitchell’s new Art Gallery on Ontario Street is a professional art
dealership and consultancy representing an international group of artists
from Canada, United States of America, Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand
and the Cayman Islands. Their professional staff will assist fine art collectors
in purchasing, selecting, shipping, framing, hanging and evaluating all
types of fine art. Spoil yourself or someone you care about with a stunning
fresh or artificial floral arrangement created by the talented local florists
at their boutiques. Mitchell’s fabric shop provides the area’s
quilters and crafters with quality fabric, notions and more. The 12th annual
Quilt Show and Sale in October will once again feature a large selection
of quilts, quilt tops, crib quilts, wall hangings, fabric and an exclusive
line of patterns.
Festivals and Fairs
Named after the famous Irish capital, it’s befitting that West Perth’s
village of Dublin would host a St. Patrick’s Day celebration in March.
Meet the experts and find out what's new in home, gardening, remodeling,
home decor, and more during the annual Spring Fling, Home and Garden Show
in April. Throw on your equine attire and check out the skills of the Mitchell
Horse Club during one of their many shows held throughout the summer. West
Perth’s Canada Day celebrations take place in Mitchell’s Lions
Park with live entertainment, free popcorn, kid’s games, prizes, a
barbeque and free Canada Day cupcakes. Decorate your bikes and wagons and
join the Pied Piper Parade at 4 p.m. on July 1 as it leads everyone from
the Town Hall to the party. Cornfest is a popular community event held every
August featuring a Slo-Pitch ball tournament, pancake breakfast, soap box
derby, dinner, dance and of course delicious home-grown sweet corn. The
157th Annual Mitchell Fall Fair is hosted by the Mitchell Agricultural Society
on Labour Day weekend with special highlights including a parade, midway,
heavy horse show, agricultural exhibits and more. Get spooked during the
Vorstenbosch family farm’s Haunted Halloween Walk on October 30 and
31. West Perth completes its year of events with the Annual Mitchell Santa
Claus Parade of Lights.
Heritage
If you are researching your family, home or farm, visit the Mitchell Archives.
While there, view the recently released Campbell Collection of nearly one
thousand photos of historic Mitchell. The town and each of the three townships
have completed an extensive history. To experience more of the town’s
history, take the self-directed Architectural Walking Tour that leads you
by Mitchell’s prominent early homes. Call 519-348-8429 for tour route
information.
For more information about West Perth visit the following
pages:
