6 Friday, July 28, 2023brooklintowncrier.com 905.655.6200 • www.brooklineyecare.ca Check Out Our Prescription & In-Stock Sunglasses! Including brand name products. Brooklin farmer Frank Batty, a prominent figure in the Clydesdale horse community, captivated onlookers for years with his horsedrawn wagon during the Brooklin Spring Fair parades. Frank's horses were not just workhorses on the farm, plowing fields and pulling wagons, but also stars at local events. The sheer size of his steeds never failed to inspire awe and he took great care to groom them so they looked their best on these occasions. Many awards However, his accomplishments reached beyond the local scene and into the broader horse show circuit. From 1897, he showcased his horses at the Canadian National Exhibition for over 70 years. Throughout his career, his Canadian breed stock earned him Grand Champion ribbons and trophies, solidifying his reputation as a breeder of top-quality Clydesdales. One notable accomplishment took place in 1922 at the International Livestock show in Chicago, Illinois. His Clydesdale named Maryfield Queen claimed the prestigious titles of First and Reserve Champion, highlighting the excellence of Frank's breeding program and gaining him widespread recognition. Horse expertise His passion for Clydesdales and his expertise led to his involvement in various equine organizations. He served as the president of the Clydesdale Horse Association of Canada, contributing to the development and promotion of the breed. He was also director of the Canadian National Exhibition where his knowledge and experience supported the growth of the Exhibition's equine-related activities. According to a 1953 article in Oshawa's Daily Times Gazette, Frank consistently won competitions, showcasing his horses for over 50 years. The one time he didn't win was during the year he was a judge instead of a competitor. William Franklin (Frank) Batty, was born on January 8, 1878 in East Whitby. On December 30, 1903, he married Charlotte Ester Coakwell (1881-1950) who herself gained recognition as the writer of the Brooklin Women's Institute Tweedsmuir Diaries. Frank and Charlotte later moved to the Coakwell (Crescent Stock) farm, lot 25, concession 5 in Whitby Township. The farm, already known for its exceptional productivity, marked Frank's entry into a highly successful agricultural venture. Elsie the Cow In 1933, Frank and his son John began a new chapter by establishing a Jersey cattle herd. In 1954, representatives from the Borden Dairy company recognized the quality of his cattle by selecting one cow to become the Borden mascot, Elsie. She went on to represent the Borden brand on dairy-based products and made appearances at various exhibitions throughout North America. Frank passed away at 91 and was laid to rest alongside Charlotte in Groveside Cemetery. His breeding legacy, passion and knowledge were passed on to both his son John and grandson Bill. The Batty farm was eventually sold to accommodate the expansion of Highway 407. However, Frank's legacy in the Clydesdale horse community remains a testament to the lasting impact he had on the industry. The Batty Farm By Jennifer Hudgins Franklin Batty Downtown Brooklin will get a healthy dose of lively in August when the first Brooklin Tiki Festival occupies Grass Park. The festival will happen thanks to the efforts of James Simpson, a Brooklin resident who grew up in Whitby before spending some years out west. "I used to go to a lot of festivals," he says, "and there always seemed to be so much happening. We got here and noticed there wasn't as much." Well acquainted with the restaurant and alcohol industry as a onetime salesperson for a liquor company, Simpson decided to do something about it. He discovered that the town is very much in favour of new business opportunities and opted to create an environment that's family friendly yet also aimed for adults. In selecting the best date, he went so far as to research precipitation rates and discovered that mid August has one of the lowest. This explains why the festival will be held on Saturday, August 19. While the festival will have an admission charge, it will feature a liquor license, drink tents, live music, a DJ, and plenty of food and kids activities, not to mention a contest for the most creative "island" attire with a $250 gift pack prize. It will run from noon to 9 pm. "I just felt that once the Spring Fair is over, we needed something here," he says. "If there's one thing I know, it's how to run a good bar-type environment." Grass Park has a capacity of 2,000 so tickets (at $30) will be sold while supplies last. The festival web site is at: https:// brooklintikifestival.com/ Tiki Festival Coming To Grass Park