Shop Local, Support Community as the West Elgin Country Holiday Tour Returns The Country Holiday Tour is set to bring festive cheer to West Elgin from November 8-10, 2024, offering a unique opportunity to shop locally while exploring a variety of small businesses. Pam Wardell, known as The Decorating Diva and the creator and organizer of the event, is excited to share what this year’s tour has in store. Running from 10 am to 4 pm each day, the tour spans across the West Elgin communities of Rodney and West Lorne. “People can expect to visit 23 small businesses at 10 different locations,” Pam reveals. “Each will offer something unique, from home décor, gift and fashion shops to vendors selling handmade baking, blueberry treats, lavender body care products, and much more.” The range of offerings also includes a brewery, a lamb meat farm, pottery, quilts, wooden Christmas crafts, and charcuterie boards. Even local restaurants will be part of the experience. Building on the success of previous years, this year’s marks the fifth edition of the tour. “There are so many new vendors added to the event this year, and we’ve spread them across 10 main locations,” says Pam, inviting participants to consult the tour map for details on where to find everything. The tour promotes not only holiday shopping but also the importance of supporting local businesses. “Shopping local is critical to the sustainability of the local economy,” Pam stresses. “Small business owners offer personal customer service, take time to build relationships, and have unique
products that are made locally and in Canada.” She adds that when you shop local, you’re doing more than making a purchase—you’re helping to keep the community viable. “A community with businesses and services is inviting to both tourists and new homeowners.” Pam believes the experience of shopping at small local shops far surpasses the alternative of heading to malls or mega online retailers. “You build relationships, receive personal customer service, and enjoy the experience of getting out and socializing with friends and community people. People want a destination experience!” she exclaims. And that’s exactly what the Country
COOKING SAFETY STARTS WITH YOU
COOKING IS THE #1 CAUSE OF HOUSE FIRES UNATTENDED COOKING IS THE #1 CAUSE OF COOKING FIRES
DON’Ts NEVER LEAVE THE STOVE UNATTENDED WHILE COOKING NEVER PUT WATER ON A GREASE/OIL FIRE DO NOT MOVE A POT OR PAN THAT HAS CAUGHT FIRE IF FIRE SPREADS, GET OUT OF THE HOUSE CALL 911 FROM OUTSIDE
DOs
KEEP A TIGHT FITTING POT LID NEARBY ALWAYS STAY IN THE KITCHEN
IF A POT CATCHES ON FIRE WHILE COOKING, SLIDE A LID OVER THE POT TURN OFF STOVE
Page 8 Real Living • Fall 2024
To advertise here, please contact Geoff@villagerpublications.com
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs