With the grand opening of the Gaslight District, the Emancipation Day and other events Cambridge has become alive with celebration.
On a recent Sunday afternoon, I visited our local bookstore, Rookery Books on Main Street. I go frequently as I love this place, it’s a great addition to the local scene.
It is packed with new releases and the knowledgeable owner, Alice, is very helpful.
It pleased me to see there were a dozen or more young people perusing the titles. A busy place.
Outside on Main Street the restaurant tables were filled with young parents and grandparents. All eating delicious dishes while their children were actively playing in the safe areas reserved for fun.
What a brilliant idea, the parents can chat, take their time enjoying the meal, while the children can choose from a variety of activities. There are scooters, sand toys, balls, mats, small chairs, and tables to sit and colour or read… it made me smile, the joy being spread was infectious.
It also recalled that in the 50th year of Cambridge’s amalgamation much has changed during those years. There are many celebratory events to mark the occasion of the City of Cambridge being formed. I think it’s an appropriate time for the citizens to think about what they enjoy.
Maybe we should hold a contest asking you, our residents to contemplate your choices, select some of the things that please you about living in our city Then we could pick the top fifty. Overall Cambridge has so much to offer, to me the bookstore and the closing of Main Street for the summer are just two of mine.
We will each have a variety and many different choices but there will be those that would receive the most votes. As an example, I’ll list a few more that please me. Yes, I know we, like most other towns and cities have complex problems to solve, but by emphasizing the positive we get a better-balanced outlook.
Consider the Speed and Grand rivers, where walking beside them on the trails or sitting on the bank just watching the ever-changing scenery, the wildlife, or those rowing, canoeing, or fishing, is a relaxing past time. The Mill Race Park is a great place to visit to river watch.
The beautiful preserved and restored architecture of Scottish stonework of many of our buildings, including the splendour of the Old City Hall and the surrounding area of the Centre for the Arts and the Civic Square.
Our Farmers' Market with the variety of loyal vendors, chats with acquaintances as we purchase fresh fruit and produce from local farms. We all have our favourites, one of mine is Caudel’s Catch with their fresh fish and their prepared oven ready dishes.
The fountain in Queen’s Square and the Grand Café with its outdoor patio area is another of mine, also the recent restoration of Central Church, with its splendid spire, reputed to be the tallest in Ontario.
Our many parks, tree lined streets, art galleries and concerts, particularly the Cambridge Symphony orchestra celebrating its 20th year next season.
With a variety of bake shops, restaurants, and coffee shops there are so many choices. These are just a few of a never-ending list, for me reaching fifty would be attainable.
What I most value though are the collaborative community projects that bring us together for the betterment of the community, the people, the friends, the kindness, and respect for one another.
In this year of our 50th amalgamation take a few minutes to think about what would be on your list. Those in Preston and Hespeler especially, as with me living in Galt many of mine are a bit too parochial.
Happy 50th Cambridge Citizens! Enjoy your community.
