HALDIMAND—On Monday, February 19, 2024, hundreds of families across the county took some time to celebrate Family Day. The Dunnville Optimists held a mini winter carnival that included food and fun for children of all ages. Meanwhile, Selkirk saw the 40th Heritage Day event from the North Erie Shore Historical Society. A steady crowd of visitors enjoyed displays and demonstrations, including antique toys, tools, trains, historical groups, and more.
SELKIRK—A spelling bee was a new event at Heritage Day in Selkirk, drawing many competitors of all ages. Pictured are some of the contestants with event organizer Anne McMillan: (front row, l-r): Anne McMillan, Adalyn Kinkel, Duncan McMillan, Amelia McMillan, (back row) Harley Atkinson, Anieta DeBoer, Joyce Fox, Hazel Smuck, and Natalie Lofthouse. —Haldimand Press photos by Sheila Phibbs. 
SELKIRK – There were many hands-on activities at Selkirk’s Heritage Day. It was estimated that 30 half-pound blocks of butter were made; pictured at left: (front, l-r) Gemma McConachie, Evelyn Smelser, Helen Smelser, (back) Jennifer McConachie, Lauren Smelser, Joanne Yager. Haldimand Press photos by Sheila Phibbs. 
Selkirk saw the 40th Heritage Day event from the North Erie Shore Historical Society. A steady crowd of visitors enjoyed displays and demonstrations, including antique toys, tools, trains, historical groups, and more. Above, Grant Stengel makes quick work of peeling an apple using an 1893 apple peeler that was used in the former apple drying plant in Selkirk. During the war, apples were dried as rations for soldiers (Haldimand Press photo by Sheila Phibbs) 
Kids had a chance to get their fingers dirty planting seeds; after watching the plants grow through the season, they are encouraged to enter them in the Dunnville Fair on the second weekend of August. Siblings Jude, 2, Harlyn, 7, and Ivan, 6, McLachlan are shown after planting some seeds while Jamie Kesmaat of the Dunnville Fair looks on. Haldimand Press photos by Sheila Phibbs. 
SELKIRK—The North Erie Shore Historical Society hosted its 40th Heritage Day at the Selkirk Centennial Hall on Monday, February 19, 2024. It was the ideal place for the Haldimand 4-H Heritage Club to hold their first meeting. Pictured are: (front, l-r) Walker Hedley, holding the rope and grain sample that he made, Ayla Pauls, Duncan McMillan, (back) Vickie Peart, leader, Rachel Iacurti, Grace Iacurti, Joyce Fox, Harley Atkinson, and Anne McMillan, leader. Haldimand Press photos by Sheila Phibbs.
–Haldimand Press photos by Sheila Phibbs
DUNNVILLE—The Dunnville Optimists were pleased with the turnout of their Family Day carnival. Michelle Zimmermann, Chair of Fundraising, said it was “for the kids, to get them active, get out and have some fun…. We try to get as many events for the kids as we can.” In total, 172 children and teens attended alongside their families.
The Optimist Club hosts events all year long. For more information about the club or their activities, find them on Facebook or visit optimistclubofdunnville.portalbuzz.com.
As part of the fun, (left) Rylan Szakal (6) of Dunnville and volunteer Thomas Mander (13) of Grimsby show off their hula hoop skills (Haldimand Press photo by Valerie Posthumus) 
Volunteer Hailey Diduck (12) and Michelle Zimmermann sell tickets and greet guests. 
Barry Ricker intently watches as a serious mudcat race is under way, with grandsons Drake (8) and Hoss (11) having fun at the races. – Haldimand Press photos by Valerie Posthumus 
Volunteer Taylor Smelser and Brenda Zynomirski, Optimist Secretary Treasurer, sell food to attendees. As part of the fun, (left) Rylan Szakal (6) of Dunn- ville and volunteer Thomas Mander (13) of Grimsby show off their hula hoop skills (Haldimand Press photo by Valerie Posthumus) 
Lucas Passmore (7) of Dunnville tries his hand at the fishbowl game with his family rooting him on. As part of the fun, (left) Rylan Szakal (6) of Dunn- ville and volunteer Thomas Mander (13) of Grimsby show off their hula hoop skills (Haldimand Press photo by Valerie Posthumus)
—Haldimand Press photos by Valerie Posthumus.
