Wendy Bilinsky had no idea that Niagara-on-the-Lake held an annual strawberry social luncheon. “I saw it on Facebook and told my friends,” said the Niagara-on-the-Lake resident. “It really is great.
” Marian Bottomley of Queenston could only agree with her friend, and her husband Derrek, as they ate a scoop of ice cream with fresh local strawberries provided by Seaway Farms of Niagara-on-the-Lake. “We have lived here for 40 years and it’s the first time we have been here,” said Bottomley. “It is great.
” More than 300 people gathered in the cool Niagara-on-the-Lake Community Centre Wednesday, away from the stifling heat, to have a few sandwiches, a bowl of salad and potato chips and, of course, strawberries and ice cream, provided by Pigout Catering. It has become a town ritual for at least 25 years. This is the second year the popular event was held in person since the COVID-19 pandemic.
The town requested that Niagara-on-the-Lake residents 65 or older register for the gathering. “I remember volunteering with my daughter,” said Niagara-on-the-Lake regional Coun. Andrea Kaiser.
“It was an amazing experience to be here, to serve, to enjoy and to celebrate what really makes Niagara-on-the-Lake special.” Niagara MPP Wayne Gates, along with several town councillors and staff from the town, the Niagara-on-the-Lake library and Niagara-on-the-Lake Hydro Inc., were busy busing tables, delivering the ice cream and strawberries, and chatting with residents as th.
