Flea Market Table Numbers Down Significantly
Though attendance was considerable, this may have had more to do with the event being a PitStop for the MFHT's Amazing Walk then with the Flea Market itself. Photos OntarioNewsNorth.com
MANITOUWADGE, ON – Manitouwadge Community Services Department’s Annual Flea Market was held Thursday, May 10th and though the Public School’s regular fundraising tables, stocked with donations from parents, teachers and the public had a larger presence than last year this could not hide the visible decline in public tables.
There were only 3 tables purchased by regular residents and though the Community Programmer was not comfortable hypothesizing on possible reasons for this, frustrated shoppers in attendance (including several who had tables in past years) who spoke with OntarioNewsNorth.com pointed to a lack of advertising for the Flea Market many adding that they feel this failure to communicate “seems to be a regular problem with Township of Manitouwadge Community Services initiatives recently”.
Though the Township departments, accused of failing to properly advertise event,s have suggested other reasons for declining numbers, the Minor Soccer Program is yet another example, being offered by frustrated residents, of the Township’s lack of promotion in regards to important programs. The minor soccer program continues to see significant decline in participation and yet, for the 2nd consecutive year, the township chose to reduce promotion of what had for many years been the most successful youth program in Manitouwadge. Soccer was promoted entirely, say critics, through registration forms at the schools with little or no thought, it seems, whether these made it home to parents in time, or at all, or for those children who are of age to participate (as of the program deadlines) but are not yet enrolled in a kindergarten program, nor for kids who are home-schooled in our community.
Representatives from P.A.C.E. were among the groups in the Rec lobby offering information on their programs and services to those interested. Photo OntarioNewsNorth.com
Nurse Cathy Kelly (far left) and staff member Trena Roberts (far right) provided information to those who came to have passports stamped as well as residents in general; here Ghislaine Moisey and her son Lucas receive details of the Amazing Walk's progress and an exciting new initiative with the program - MOTIVATION MONDAYS (See www.AmazingWalk.info for full details). Photos OntarioNewsNorth.com
What may have saved the Flea Market, at least in regards to through traffic at the event, was its inclusion as a Pit Stop in the Manitouwadge Family Health Team’s (MFHT) Amazing Walk. The walk’s 2 week segments, each have 4 Pit Stops which at least one member from each of the fifty-four 6 person teams must attend – and many teams were seen attending the market as a group. In addition to the MFHT’s passport stamping and information table, P.A.C.E. (People Advocating for Change through Empowerment (PACE) Inc.) representatives and Superior North Victim Services each had booths in the lobby of the Recreation Centre.
RELATED LINKS
- Learn more about P.A.C.E. and its programs and services
- Learn more about Superior North Victim Services
- Learn more about the Manitouwadge Family Health Team
- Learn more about the MFHT’s Amazing Walk
Manitouwadge Public School students, easy to identify wearing safety vests, walked the floor to accept donations for the items they had available and help those who needed assistance bringing larger items out to their vehicle. Photo OntarioNewsNorth.com
