By Kerry J Newstead
The Haldimand Press
TOWNSEND—Saturday, September 12, 2026 became fun-day in Townsend as Parkview Meadows held its second annual Open House Carnival.
Ken Callaghan, CEO of Parkview Meadows, said he was happy with the turnout. He shared how the effects of the event will continue to be felt long afterward, both at the home and across the greater community.
—Haldimand Press photo by Kerry J Newstead.
“The money from today’s event will used for two causes: a donation to the Norfolk Haldimand Community Hospice, and seed money towards purchasing a new bus for the residence,” Callaghan said.
A 50/50 draw sold just over $4,000 in tickets, with half going to winner Matt Lyons and half to the new bus. Meanwhile, the midway and food sales raised nearly $3,000 for the hospice.
TOWNSEND—Aukje (right), a resident of Parkview Meadows, purchased a cake from Jeannette Hogeterp during the home’s Open House Carnival. 
TOWNSEND—Eliza Buchwald, 5, got her arm painted as mom Abby and brothers Rueben and Gideon looked on. 
TOWNSEND—There were plenty of fun activities to take part in. Mya DeBoer played one of the games as Parkview Meadows Assistant Director Lisa-Marei Hachett looked on. 
TOWNSEND—Makenna DeBoer enjoyed a pony ride as Clay Fox, handler, led the horse around the parking lot. 
TOWNSEND—Matriarch and Parkview Meadows resident Betty Ferguson was joined by three other generations of her family. —Haldimand Press photos by Kerry J Newstead. 
TOWNSEND—Oaklun, 5, enjoyed some time in the pen with a goat family. 
TOWNSEND—Ken Callaghan, CEO of Parkview Meadows, made sure the target was hit during Program Services Manager Micheal Ciardullo’s turn in the dunk tank.
From a barbecue in the inner courtyard where the new mini putt range is, to fresh hot corn and ice-cold ice cream in the main foyer, to popcorn, lemonade, and slushies as you entered the main building, there were plenty of delicious refreshments to enjoy.
Pony rides were a big attraction, as well petting some goats. Staff members volunteered for turns in the dunk tank.
To burn off some of the sugar, there was a bouncy castle to climb through, and one could test their athletic skills with ball and bean bag toss challenges.
Parkview Meadows thanked its many sponsors, and, of course, all of the volunteers and people who came out to the event.
Next up, Parkview Meadows invites everyone to its annual Christmas Bazaar, taking place on November 21.
