Photo courtesy of The Regional
On the evening of Friday August 12th Bolton’s newest BIA Board served up their first go at hosting a Midnight Madness event for their community. And what an event it was! The historic downtown core was flooded with families enjoying the tastes of summer at sumptuous food booths and a mini farmers market that was just bursting with local goodness. Folks yearning for a sit-down dinner headed up to Baffo’s for pasta or over to Chapel Street for traditional Friday night fish & chips at Suri’s.
With true community spirit Caledon OPP, Bolton Fire Dept and EMS captured lots of attention with their displays and demonstrations. Understated hero of the night Brian Zimmerman plunged time and time again into the chilly waters of the dunk tank as the excited squeals of kids of all ages made it all worthwhile. Brian, by the way, insisted all proceeds from his dunk tank exploits go to Caledon Dufferin Victim Services.
Music that ranged from jazz and pop to Ascentric’s rock filled the sultry summer evening air and nearby at the petting zoo (wow! can you believe there was a camel!?!) wide-eyed kids gathered around to see all manner of furry creatures.
Kids from 3 to 23 lined up for fetching face-painting by local artist Shelly Sargent while adventurous climbers scaled new heights on the rock climbing wall, thanks to Caledon Youth Services. Other folks lined up to buy the offerings of local shops or the multitude of vendors’ booths. Shopping local, we all win!
At 7:45 p.m. talented Town Crier Andrew Welch who, earlier in the evening had announced the official opening of the event, used rhyme to introduce former Caledon Mayor, the Honourable Carol Seglins, and her family, for the dedication of the new Bolton Town Clock in the memory of Ralph Ransom. Ralph was a pivotal figure in the early years of the Bolton BIA, a man with community spirit, vision and heart, whose name is now fittingly immortalized on the face of our Town Clock at the corner of Queen and Sterne.
To the BIA Board, job well done! Thank you for helping to connect your community; your work was truly appreciated. And if Ralph was watching, as I suspect he was, I have no doubt he would have approved.
Photo Courtesy of SNAP Caledon
Hi Patti
I’m so sorry that I missed such a wonderful community event – Ralph is certainly a worthy local notable. I miss him.
thanks, Carol
Sorry you couldn’t make it Carol but I’m sure, like Ralph, you were there in spirit. Be sure you do a drive-by and see that lovely clock.
What a fitting tribute to the founder and the spirit behind Midnight Madness! Ralph may not have been there in person but his memory is still very much a part of this annual event. I am quite positive that the Seglins & Ransom family member would be over the moon with this special tribute. Such a wonderful occasion.
Great to hear from you Christine! Yes it was a wonderful night, and “over the moon” a very apropos comment!
Wonderful write up of a great event!
Love your blog!
Tina