Second annual wood fair and auction will be bigger and better this year

For the second consecutive year, wood lovers are invited to come and enjoy the magic of wood.

The second annual Glengarry Wood Fair and Auction is set to take place on Saturday August 21 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Glengarry Pioneer Museum.

According to Robin Flockton, one of the organizers of this year's event, plans are coming together well and this year's event promises to be even better than last year.

"Last year, the weather was definitely not on our side," he told The Review during an interview at the Glengarry Pioneer Museum on Thursday, May 27. "It was also our first year and it was a learning curve. We're coming back to the table with some new ideas and ways to make the event a little bigger this year. We're very excited!"

Although the fair is in August, Flockton said the planning process begins early so artisans have enough time to build inventory and woodlot owners can decide what to do with their trees.

"Also, we're very anxious to get the word out because we think this event is really great and unique," he remarked.

Flockton said the wood fair and auction is a joint venture between the Glengarry Pioneer Museum and the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Certified Forest Owners Inc.

He said the fair has three primary objectives: to serve as an outlet for artisans to showcase the beautiful artwork they create, to serve as an outlet for woodlot owners and members to sell their wood, and to promote the museum.

In terms of the success of last year's wood fair and auction, Flockton said a little over 1,000 people attended and 21 artisans participated. There was one trade exhibitor, three government exhibitors and 83 lots sold at the auction.

He is hopeful attendance will reach up to 2,500 this year and he is anticipating around 40 artisans exhibiting at the event. He said he would like to see at least 10 government and trade exhibits and is aiming for 100 lots to be sold at auction.

Two significant groups will be holding their annual picnics at the wood fair and auction this year - the Ottawa Valley Woodturners and the Valley Karvers. Additionally, Flockton said, organizers are boosting the children's program and offering more workshops.

"There's going to be lots for the whole family to see and do this year," he noted.

The wood auction will begin at 1 p.m. and Flockton is hopeful the lots will fetch more money than they did last year.

"Honestly, the prices were quite low last year," he explained. "Hopefully, the prices will be a bit better this year."

Although things are falling into place, Flockton said there is still a lot more to do. He has enlisted the help of Ross McLean, a summer student hired to help plan and organize the wood fair.

"I am excited to be working on this project," McLean said. "I think this is going to be a really great event."

Museum curator and administrator Jennifer Black said the event is good for the museum because it brings in people who might not ordinarily visit the museum.

"This is a very interesting partnership," she said. "The wood industry is a very important part of our history and something we try to highlight and teach people about. This event is a great way of doing that and it also brings new visitors to the museum. It's a win-win situation for everyone involved."

For more information about the wood fair, please visit www.woodfair.ca.