To The Haldimand Press
DUNNVILLE—Paddles of the Grand is a Haldimand community project, where artists take part in creating one-of-a-kind decorative paddles.
Join us November 26 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at The Minga Cafe in Dunnville, 146 Queen Street, to celebrate the one year anniversary of Paddles on the Grand.
The paddle has great symbolism in that it represents water – and water is life. The paddles bring awareness to our local waters, the Grand River and Lake Erie, which are both a pivotal part of the Haldimand community. The paddle also tells the lesson of working together. We all have a paddle that can do the work, however, when you paddle the waters alone, the journey can be hard and tiring. But the more paddles that enter the boat, the easier the journey will be.
Our paddles symbolize working together to achieve a goal. Which is why it is important to us that this project includes the community in its creation. Without one part, the project would not be complete.
Each two-foot paddle is made of pine and is crafted by the Dunnville Secondary School youth and other local woodworkers. Paddles then travel to Edgewater Gardens Long-term Care, where elders/seniors fine sand and prep the paddles for painting. A local blacksmith then stamps the paddles with the Haldimand Blue Heron image. And lastly, the paddles are distributed to local Haldimand artists to be painted with scenes and images they feel you will love. Paddles are then given a protective coat for exterior display.
Each paddle is then sold for no more than it costs to create. This project has no profits involved; it is a project that promotes working together, inclusiveness, and transparency.
Haldimand County is becoming known as the paddle community! The ‘Water Wheel’, a Great Art for Great Lakes Project, resides at the Dunnville Secondary School as well. The creation of that piece involved over 350 community members, and two Haldimand high schools.
The “Paddle Art Tour Haldimand” has drawn much interest into our community. This county-wide tour includes the placement of 30 six-foot paddles, inviting residents and visitors to tour the county and view these exceptional pieces.
Paddles of the Grand has been, and continues to be, a ripple effect. Anyone can purchase a two-foot painted paddle for $100. And any Haldimand business can purchase a two-foot paddle with their business logo for $130. Displaying your paddle in your home or business represents a community coming together. A community that wants to help one another, lift each other up, and continue to bring awareness to our waterways.
We invite you to participate in this community project by either purchasing a paddle or sponsoring a paddle.
