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durhamregion.com4 The Citizen July 19, 2013 Canada Day celebrations in Ashburn For the last 26 years, neighbours and friends have come together to celebrate Canada Day at the Ashburn Park in the little hamlet of Ashburn. The origins of the event date back to 1987 when the town of Whitby took over the expenses of running the community centre and the board found itself with extra funds. The original idea of holding an old-fashioned picnic soon turned into a Canada Day celebration and the tradition began. Only by word of mouth, the event attracted more than 200 neighbours. On that first picnic, all residents came together and pitched in. One of the farmers lent a hay wagon for the stage (and still does), kids' games were organized, a local band played live and a homemade cake as well as many other donations were received from the community. Today, the event is still organized by the Ashburn Community Centre Board and is funded by fundraising activities organized throughout the year. It's also supported by the Town, local businesses and community organizations just as it has been since the beginning. Many local residents will just show up at the park on the day of the event to lend a hand, whether it is with the barbecue, kids' games, decorating or with whatever they can help with. This truly shows the small community feel that you won't find at any other larger events around the area. As a longtime resident notes, "The complex networking by everyone in the village, (was) is a true testament to what community spirit can achieve." In the last few years the event has gained recognition and it is visited by many residents from nearby communi- ties. The first Ashburn Canada Day Celebration was attended by then mayor of Whitby Tom Edwards and since then has been supported by all political sides in the area. Cecilia Waldron is the creator of C&C Connections, a networking group that connects all business owners in Brooklin CeCilia Waldron Community Tim Whittaker - Publisher Joanne Burghardt - Editor-in-Chief Mike Johnston - Managing Editor Fred Eismont - Director of Advertising Eddie Kolodziejcak - Classified Advertising Manager Abe Fakhourie - Distribution Manager Lillian Hook - Office Manager Cheryl Haines - Composing Manager PH 905-579-4400 CLASSIFIEDS 905-576-9335 GENERAL FAX 905-576-9335 NEWS FAX 905-579-1809 865 Farewell St., Oshawa ON L1H 7L5 Member: Ontario Press Council, OCNA, CCNA, SNA. All content copyright A Metroland Media Group Ltd. Publication thecitizen BROOKLIN -- Rebecca Smith poured a beer on July 8 at 1847 Wine and Beer Bistro, which recently opened its doors in downtown Brooklin. The restaurant is the realization of the longtime vision of three local entrepreneurs, Catherine Smith, Rob Marchand and Brett Barnett; a bistro and bar that boasts great food, great wine, great atmosphere at an affordable price. Ryan PfeiffeR / MetRoland Brooklin bistro offers residents a taste of the old with the new Owners want to provide community with fine dining in a casual setting PaRvaneh Pessian ppessian@durhamregion.com BROOKLIN -- Two minds are better than one but owners of 1847 Wine and Beer Bistro are proving that three heads are even better following a successful first month of business. Located in two restored heritage buildings in the heart of downtown Brooklin, the unique bistro and bar opened its doors on June 7 to hungry patrons craving its alluring mix of historical charm and modern flair. "The response from the community has been outstanding," says co-owner Catherine Smith, who runs the business with front-of-house manager Brett Barnett and chef Rob Marchand. "There's been a lot of excitement and people have said that they've been waiting for us to open." For those who had been following the development of the site, which included extensive renovations to two heritage sites constructed in 1847 (hence the name), there was an 18-month-long construction period. A review by a food critic on the website Urbanspoon where 1847 Wine and Beer Bistro currently boasts an 83-per cent rating, says it all: "In Brooklin there have been three myths that have eluded mankind: Are we alone in this universe? Is there life after death? And will the 1847 Bistro open?" the reviewer posted on June 18. Ms. Smith, a Whitby resident with a background in culinary studies, spent more than 25 years as co-owner of a consulting firm in Toronto but always dreamed about opening a restaurant. She decided that the historical buildings, which once housed the village's original bank and hardware store, were a perfect fit for her vision. "The buildings have quite an interesting history and we really wanted to preserve and restore them," she says. The bistro's decor includes antiques, a coffered tin ceiling, gooseneck lighting, handmade tabletops and bartops and vintage posters -- all carefully assembled to complement the menu that's Canadian-inspired with a French influence. The wine and beer list includes Canadian and international selections while also supporting local craft beer operations, such as 5 Paddles Brewing Co., which recently opened in Whitby. "For me, it's about having fun and providing great service, great value, and really supporting the community so we (become) a place that people recognize and appreciate," says Ms. Smith. "We wanted to create a neighbourhood-style bistro and the building is beautiful but it's also comfortable and casual, which is part of the personality of the business ... it's very personal what's gone into it and I think that people feel that." 1847 Wine and Beer Bistro is located at 45 Baldwin St., Brooklin and is open Tuesday to Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m., Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and closed on Mondays. Reservations by phone or e-mail are recommend. CALL: 905-425-9463 Emaill: info@1847bistro.com Visit: www.1847bistro.com Reporter Parvaneh Pessian covers the Town of Whitby for Metroland Media Group's Durham Region Division