Getting ready for summer at the garden show
By Chris Simon

Photos by Chris Simon Carver Honky Hawrysio and Lakeview Gardens Greenhouse and Garden Centre's Steve and Gaynor Radcliffe were among over 20 vendors at the Innisfil Garden Show Saturday.

Honky Hawrysio enjoys teaching the fine craft of carving.

The Belle Ewart resident has taught over 6,000 people how to carve sculptures, faces, totem poles and other objects out of wood over the last decade. He never gets tired of the full-time hobby/job, and loves to display his latest crafts for local residents.

He knows his intricately carved figures bring smiles to faces, and it's one of the reasons Hawrysio participated in the Innisfil Garden Show, which took place at the Stroud Arena Saturday.

"It's an honour to be here. What I'm doing is something a lot of people use in their gardens. I'm an award winning carver," he said. "Whatever I can do to help the rec centre here in town. Hopefully they can raise some good money tonight."

Hawrysio was among 21 local vendors participating in the event. Many displayed flowers, stonework and garden accessories. In addition to sculptures, Hawrysio also had a wood spirit carving demonstration set up.

The garden show was hosted by the Innisfil Community Events Corporation. It featured a variety of outdoor and gardening products, jewellery and books. A live auction, featuring items from the show, was also held, said ICECORP member Gord Wauchope.

"It's a day where people can come in and have some fun," he said. "All the exhibitors here are (local). That's one of the things we're proud of. We have some great prizes, including about 30 items being auctioned off, including trees, lawn ornaments, dining in Innisfil, (and) a spa package."

The event was the first of its kind hosted by ICECORP. Previously, Innisfil's Communities in Bloom program held the Innisfil Garden Gala, a similar event operated within the town, said Wauchope.

"Innisfil Communities in Bloom did it for years," he said. "I thank them very much for allowing us to do it this year. They decided they weren't going to do it this year. I didn't want to drop it. If you let something go, it's hard to start it back up again."

ICECORP organizers hope to raise $10,000 through the show, which will be donated to the Innisfil Recreation Complex. So far, the organization has raised about $100,000, and has pledged a total of $250,000 towards the complex, said Wauchope.

"Hopefully we can raise some money. We have a commitment of $250,000 to the rec centre," he said. "We're trying to raise it as quick as possible."