Celebrating the cultural mosaic that is Leamington, the July 10 Mill Street Market was filled with the sounds and smells from a diverse collection of ethnicities. A Hispanic flair came from the musical entertainment of Sabor Latino and Julian Rodriquez, while many foods could be sampled, including some traditional dishes from the Leamington Portuguese Club, at the market for the first time this year.
Providing for that diverse population is South Essex Community Council (SECC) and their new Give Back Collection that was on display and being sold at the market. Featuring art created by SECC team member Natasha Schartner, the collection’s vintage inspired t-shirts and canvas bags generate funds that are used in the many programs that SECC offers to help seniors, youth and newcomers.
Those looking for a bit of local history to wear or to carry will have another opportunity to buy from the Give Back Collection at the upcoming Arts at the Marina later this month.
New at the Mill Street Market this year is something that would appeal to anyone that would like to gain a better understanding of the history behind the development of Leamington’s downtown area.
Organized by the Uptown Leamington BIA, historical walks led by the renown Veronica Brown are providing a three-part series that are both informative and entertaining.
For the July walk, Brown focused on Leamington’s four corners and the changes seen from the early 1900s until the early ’60s.
“I share local history because I believe it’s important to explore how we got here,” she said. “Decisions were made in the past that directly influence our present. Plus, I like to share fun and interesting stories to prove that history isn’t boring.”
The final walk in the historical series will take place on August 14 with a look at the downtown area from the ’60s until the present time.
