As I recently drove towards Snow Valley one evening to pick up my daughter who was skiing, I saw a large dark shadow moving amongst the trees just south of the Haight farm…near the bridge.  I slowed down to see what it was and I opened my window…only to hear “He-Row!” That’s hello in Swampy language to those that haven’t met Swampy.  The shadow disappeared deeper into the trees and I was on my way again.  I was glad to know that Swampy has been up and about, has anyone else been lucky enough to see him?

It’s only one more week before the 41^st Annual Minesing Mini-fest gets under way.  Let’s hope we have a good turn out on February 8^th and 9^th to help our community stay active and have lots of fun!    Mini-fest buttons are on sale at the two stores, the library and the school.  Get yours today.

To those wanting to play in the bowling tournament on Friday night contact Lisa Kort at 705-721-1356.  The Family Skate with Swampy is being held on Friday night and so is the Euchre Tournament. If you would like to play cards, please call Terry at 705-728-7788.

Saturday February 9^th will hold the Pancake Breakfast from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Citizen & Youth of the Year, look for the nomination forms with the flyers.  The deadline is January 28^th for your nominations.  Colouring & Bookmark contest, for the children is also back.  Again, you can find the sheets at one of the above mentioned locations. The submission deadline is February 1^st.   Beer Gardens are open from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Community Centre.

There is going to be an adult dance on Saturday night featuring “The Hired Help” from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., doors open at 8 p.m.  There are still tickets available.  Contact Terry at 705-728-7788.

There will also be a Silent Auction taking place throughout the weekend.  Come take a peek and make a bid.

Happy 17^th Birthday to our Official -“Unofficial”- Mini-fest baby, Cameron Johnston on February 8th.  Cameron shares his B-day with a couple of his good friends, Adam Sweet (Anten Mills) and Nathan Thompson (Barrie). Cameron was born on the Friday morning of Mini-fest weekend (at that time Mini-fest was a 3 day occasion). A day after, his mother Blanche was in charge of delivering the silver platter to the citizen of the year on the Thursday night, otherwise known as “Talent Night”. Instead she missed the ceremony and was busy delivering her 3^rd boy at RVH in Barrie. The platter was also delivered safely to the citizen of the year on Thursday night.

Body Conditioning and Core classes will be starting at the Minesing School Monday February 4^th   at 6:30 pm, classes are $7.50.  Work out in a group setting and be motivated by others.  Call Jan for more info 733-2975.

Until next time, I’m not sure if it’s going to snow or rain or sunshine this week, so remember your gloves, sunscreen and umbrellas and have a fabulous week.

It’s that time of year again when Swampy is starting to stir in the swamp.  His appearance at Mini-fest is always a hit so he’s getting into shape.  The 41^st Annual Minesing Mini-fest is scheduled for February 8^th and 9^th so to all those who are going to attend and support the winter festivities, buttons will be on sale soon so keep your eyes open.  I’m sure as some of you read this you think of many of the fun times you have experienced over the years.  So come out and enjoy the pancake breakfast, the parade and the games.  It’s a great day to spend with your family and to see the neighbours you haven’t seen since the snow started flying.

There is going to be an adult dance on Saturday night featuring “The Hired Help”.  Tickets will be on sale at the Community Centre on Saturday January 19^th from 10 a.m. to 12 noon and again on Saturday January 26^th from 10 a.m. to 12 noon.  Get your tickets early it’s sure to be a great evening!

Though the Recreation Committee does a fabulous job organizing Mini-fest, volunteers are always welcome to help alleviate some of the long hours spent running such an event.  If you’d like to offer some of your time during the Mini-Fest weekend, please get in touch with Wanda at 705-739-7260.  Also keep watch at www.minesing.ca for updates.

An Open House is being held to celebrate the 80^th Birthday of Dorothy Dunn on Saturday January 26^th from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.  It will be held at the Minesing United Church, 1662 George Johnston Road.  Best wishes only.  Bring with you only, memories, laughs and good stories to share.

Until next time, keep your eyes open while driving on George Johnston Road, Swampy will be up and about soon.