Local musicians are gathering to provide their time and talent for this entertaining by-donation event to help the Beautiful Joe Heritage Society raise funds for their pedestrian bridge project. The not-for-profit group has been working to raise funds to create a safe and level bridge across the Bighead River to improve accessibility to this shaded oasis in downtown Meaford.
Live music ranging from pop, folk, blues and country, courtesy of Meaford-based musicians Too Late Smart, Richard Ebbs and Anne Haas, Amanda Dorey, Bill Monahan, Brianna McGowan, Mike and Mary McTaggart and others, will provide a backdrop to other family-oriented activities throughout the afternoon.
The event will take place on Sunday, August 24, from noon until 4 p.m. at Beautiful Joe Park, located at 162 Edwin St., Meaford.
Not familiar with Beautiful Joe’s story and park?
Beautiful Joe was a real dog that suffered horrific abuse by his original owner, but thankfully was rescued by a kind local Meaford family. In 1892, he met Margaret Marshall Saunders, an author from Nova Scotia. She wrote his ‘autobiography’ and the book achieved international acclaim with its heartwarming and timeless story of Joe’s rescue and adventures thereafter. It was the first Canadian novel to sell over a million copies, and by the late 1930s, it had sold over 7 million copies worldwide, sparking immense growth in awareness of cruelty to animals. The park is the site of Joe’s internment and hosts a bronze statue of him. The beautiful setting alongside the Bighead River today is a mecca for animal lovers from around the world where tributes to beloved pets are housed at two kiosks there. The park has several monuments and even a memorial to the canine heroes of the 2001 World Trade Centre bombing, including remnants from the catastrophe.
As part of the day’s events, free guided walking tours will be offered at 12:15, 1:15, and 2:15 to heighten your appreciation of this literary landmark, the story it represents and a better understanding of how this oasis evolved.
Scavenger hunts throughout the afternoon will provide a perfect opportunity to explore and learn about Beautiful Joe’s backyard.
Rock Painting demos and creation table will be hosted by Donna Hoffman from 1 – 3:30. Paint rocks to take home or leave at the park for visitors to enjoy.
50/50 draw tickets are on sale now and at ‘Songs for Joe’ at $5 each or 3 for $10. To order tickets, contact admin@beautifuljoe.org or stop by Simply Unique Flowers & Gifts on Trowbridge St. W. The draw is August 25 at noon and proceeds support the Society’s park-improvement projects.
Some seating and picnic tables are provided or bring your lawn chairs or picnic blanket. Parking within Beautiful Joe Park will be reserved for handicapped vehicles and for unloading. Best to park across from the Legion Apartments and walk across the Edwin St. bridge to Beautiful Joe Park.
This is a great family event and friendly leashed dogs are welcome.
The Beautiful Joe Heritage Society, a registered charity comprised solely of volunteers, has raised $118,000 toward the goal of $130,000 for the bridge.
