41th annual Kleinburg and area Binder Twine Festival coming Sept. 8

Deep in history and tradition, the annual Kleinburg Binder Twine Festival, celebrating 41 years, returns Sept. 8 in the lovely heritage village of Kleinburg.

"It all began in 1847 when John Kline, a Swiss watchmaker, built a mill on the Humber River and a community was born," Tim Arnott, chairman of the Binder Twine Committee, explained. "Kleinburg thrived because of its location, midway between Barrie and Toronto; an ideal spot for farmers to stay overnight on the way to market."

Before long, the village comprised six sawmills, a cooperage, a stave factory, a shingle mill, a tanner, a currier, a tailor, a boot and shoe maker, a carriage maker, a doctor, a saddle and harness maker, and of course, an undertaker. In addition, there were three hotels, a church and a school. And most importantly for the purposes of this tale, there was Charlie Shaw's hardware store.

In the fall, the farmers would come to this store from all around to buy the twine to bind their sheaves of wheat together. They needed to take delivery of this twine before the mice got to it (this explains the Binder Twine Festival logo of a mouse inside a ball of twine). Shaw offered food and entertainment to the visiting farmers, and year by year, this became a kind of annual celebration.

Unfortunately, as time passed modern conveniences like the telephone, the motor car and mass production in factories led to the decline of the village. By 1931, Charlie Shaw Jr. had passed away, and after 40 years, so had the celebration of Binder Twine Night.

In 1967, Vic Ryder and a small committee revived the concept of Binder Twine as Kleinburg's centennial project. It continues to this day, the Saturday after Labour Day every year.

People come from far and wide to one the largest outdoor craft festivals. In addition to quality crafts of every possible description, there is entertainment all day long, food booths, a children's area, old time activities and even a parade. For many the highlight is a unique Queen Contest, previously emceed by Kleinburg's own Pierre Berton, where "young ladies" call a hog, flip pancakes, hammer nails and even milk a cow.

"This amazing festival is organized and run entirely by volunteers and its success has resulted in benefits to the community, such as Binder Twine Park, support for local schools, new street signs, Kleinburg New Forest - the list is endless," Arnott commented. "There is a very special spirit of cooperation and celebration - a community brought together with a common goal."

The gates open at 9 a.m. Parking facilities are available for only $2, and the site is wheelchair accessible.

Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors (60 plus) and youth, and $2 for children between the ages of two and 12. Everyone in pioneer period costume is admitted free.

Join the residents of Kleinburg and area for a fun-filled day with good food, unique crafts, artisans and demonstrators, and great entertainment for the entire family.