“Helping One Another” (“S’Appuyants les uns et les autres”) is the theme of the Champlain Commercial and Community Fair which takes place this weekend on Saturday, April 14 and Sunday, April 15 at the Vankleek Hill Community Centre, located at 36 Mill Street. The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days.

To highlight the community theme, students at four local schools have designed miniature cardboard building facades and village features for display at the entrance to the Community Section of the Fair. More than 10 booths have been donated by Excellent Events to community organizations offering services to residents of Eastern Ontario.

“We are delighted to introduce this section as part of the Commercial and Community Fair this year,” says Suzanne Hocquard, one of the organizers of the event.

“Social services and community organizations are such an important part of a healthy and happy population. In this region, we are especially fortunate to have active service clubs, church groups, and social services that support our residents. We want everyone to be able to appreciate what they offer.”

Many volunteers are helping to bring the Fair together. Students from Vankleek Hill Collegiate Institute will assist vendors with setting up their booths. Opportunity Knox volunteers will be on hand to tell visitors about raising funds for Syrian refugees. The Hawkesbury Rotary Club provides the festive flavour of ice cream. Organizers of The Village encourage visitors to drop by the booth to create a Local 2018 Calendar of Events that will include a list of most 2018 events scheduled in the area by community services.

Victim Services will provide the community breakfast on Sunday, April 15, 8 a.m. – noon, upstairs at the Community Centre. Chalk It Up by Stephanie Pete will supervise a children’s play area in the lobby.

Over 90 booths will be featured at the Fair at the arena. Favourites returning include Scherer Landscaping’s garden and fountain entrance and Les Serres Legault’s colourful flower displays. The Jewel Radio Station will broadcast live from the exhibition hall, on Saturday afternoon, April 14.  Admission is free to the event and there will be lots of gifts, shopping bags and door prizes to win.

For more information, to leave a message at Excellent Events by calling 613-678-5086 or visit theReview.ca/events.