It was all hands on deck for Port Elgin Rotary members Ron Moss (left) Mike Marriott and President Doug Gowanlock (right) at the Rotary Home and Recreation Show April 9.
Hub Staff
Dubbed the “ideal opportunity to get rid of the winter blahs,” the 35th annual Rotary Home and Recreation Show (RHRS), did just that. On April 9, many filled the Southampton Coliseum, to check out the two-day show that featured local vendors, while grabbing a bite to eat, and a beverage at the Food and Drink Expo that featured eight local restaurant pop-ups, and three breweries.
Photo: Walker House, Southampton owner Jake Walton and Chef Daniel Reed were in high spirits during the Food and Drink Expo at the Southampton Coliseum, April 9.
Port Elgin Rotary President Doug Gowanlock said the RHRS brings together around 60 local businesses, and mentioned more restaurants being involved this year. “You get a wonderful choice of all of our different restaurants in town, and as well as some craft breweries that are here, so that’s fun,” said Gowanlock.
He added, “[RHRS]’s very well attended and it’s a good community thing, and it’s something we’ve done for a long time, we’ll keep on doing it as long as it keeps on working, and it’s certainly working today,” Gowanlock said with pride.
The Food and Drink Expo was held in the Curling Club portion of the Coliseum and although the main item on display was pizza, haggis and speciality tacos did catch the eye of some. The food came at the cost of a special token, each token selling for $2, with a slice of pizza going for two tokens at some establishments, and a drink going one token at others.
The RHRS is also a good way for businesses to introduce themselves to new customers, as was the case for Unleash the Pawsitive owner, Melissa MacKinnon. “It’s awesome. There’s a ton of people here, it’s only been open for an hour and I can’t believe how many people we’ve had come through and ask us what we offer.
Pier Donnini, owner of The Queen’s Bar and Grill, Port Elgin, served up a slice in the Food and Drink Expo at the Rotary Home and Recreation Show at the Southampton Coliseum, April 9.
Mary and Dan Holmes of Port Elgin enjoyed their stout samples from the MacLean’s Brewery in Hanover, and their seafood pizza from Duffy’s in Southampton.
Larry Lange and Kaitlyn Shular of K Interiors and Bruce County Custom Cabinets were ready with an arsenal of choices and answers to attendees’ questions at the Rotary Home and Recreation Show in Southampton, April 9.
