Sparta Community News
Volume 21, Number 2 2025-09-17
Sparta’s web site www.villageofsparta.com
The Newsletter
Newsletters will be available in the Village Market. If you have any news or announcements please let us know. It will be published in January, May, and September. Feedback is always welcomed. We can email it to anyone interested if you provide us with your email. Contact us at tcg@execulink.com.
Christmas Decorating Contest
The contest is being held again this year. Prizes will be awarded December 23. Categories: best light display, best theme, and environmental or natural decorations
Bridge to be Closed
It is important for you to know that the Sparta Line bridge over Catfish Creek will be closed from September 29 until mid December. Consequently, the Lavender Farm store will set up a satellite store in the village.
Fun Fair
On Sunday, August 17 our second annual fun fair took place with large numbers once again in attendance. The top hit was the Dog Shows by Ultimuts but all the children enjoyed the many games and contests. There were even activities for the adults. The silent auction was once again a great place for bargains and well supported by our community with many donations. The hot dogs grilled by our local fire fighters was another hit. Special thanks to volunteers: Yvonne T, Yvonne C, Beth, Ron, Cindy, Pam, Rosemary, Louisa, Jamie, Francie, Jeff, 3 Charlies, 2 Jacobs, Boone, Steve, Bonnie, Shaye, John, Keith, Sally, Cody, Brenden, Carly, Matt, Baron, Tilina, Regetta, Rempt, Aaron, Brennan, Jesse, Cain, Vyli, Kevin, Union fire Fighters and Sponsors: Ultimuts, Sparta House tearoom, Union fire fighters, Turtle & Bird, St. Thomas Dragway, Sparta Lavender Farm, Health for Life, Pinecroft, Julia Hansford, B-Aerial, Huron Tractor, Sally Martyn, Dykstra Family, Higgens Family, Abby Maes Glutten Free Bakery, Wendy Hill, the Vandenbrinks, Back Lane Farms, Advanced Motor Sports, S.O.S. Bins, Peter Robson Studio, Briwood Farm Market, Brutus Quest, KF Bees, Whistle Stop Peddler, Chris Finn, the Ethiers, Sara Hennessy, Higgs Family, Yvonne Campbell, Shannon Bishop, Irene, Ron Molyneux, Bonnie Kelley, John Wa, Fern Gully, Delta Power Equipment, Silverthorn Landscaping, Holistic Awakenings Spa, Button Bush Tree Farm, Sky Chase Winery, Laemers Excavating, Sparta Village Market, Gathered, Darryl Roberts, Armstrong Family, Yvonne Taylor, Rick and Lori Bishop, Francie Johnston, Tom Brennan, and Hyatt Family. It couldn't be done without you.
Grant for Community Hall
We were successful in acquiring a grant to refurbish and open up our lower hall kitchen to make it health unit certified and easier to use. The $5000 grant from Central Elgin plus the Fun Fair profits of $6300 will almost cover the costs. Thanks to Yvonne Campbell and Pam Helmer for the successful grant application.
Historical Re-Enactment Dinner
Nov. 8 featuring 1952. See web site for details and tickets
Christmas Craft Sale
Once again Yvonne Taylor has arranged many vendors to come for a craft sale on November 22 from 10:00 to 4:00. All items are handmade and make a great place to find unique Christmas gifts. It is earlier in the season to be more helpful with that Christmas shopping. This event also helps raise money for the hall and supports local crafters. Come and support them and the hall.
Concert for the Skatepark
The Sparta Community Skatepark committee, in partnership with the Sparta Community Society, hosted a rock show at the Community Hall on September 13th. The concert was a fundraiser for the Sparta Skatepark project and was a great success! Just over $3000 was raised for the Skatepark project and a wonderful time was had by all.
The Skatepark will be built on the Community Hall property, at the back of the existing parking area. Construction on the park will begin once we have secured enough funds for the project! Thanks to the community for showing up and supporting this endeavor. We have raised $7220 so far.
Scouting News
Scouts, Cubs and Beavers are in full swing and still have a few openings. Call Pam Helmer (519-775-2613) for more information on ages and joining. They will take part in the Remembrance Day parade and service in Port Stanley on Sunday, November 9 starting at 10:30. On Wednesday, November 19 or near that time, they will be coming door to door to collect canned goods for Second Stage Housing. Check website closer to the date for exact day of pick up. If you want to drop cans off earlier take them to the hall on Tuesday, November 18 from 1:00 to 4:00. Make sure they are not outdated.
Sparta Food Bank
The food bank is closed due to lack of people using it. Support the Port Stanley or St. Thomas food banks.
Web Site & Social Media
Francie Johnston has helped us set up a more interactive web site at villageofsparta.com with forms for renting and contracts as well as ads for all upcoming events. Steven Thorne has also set up an email contact on the site (villageofsparta.ontario@gmail.com and a facebook site. Check them out.
Hall Rental
We have a great space to rent for any gathering you are hosting. We have re-established our stage in the upper hall, have a certified kitchen, air conditioning and chair lifts and a fully accessible lower entrance and washrooms. See the end of the newsletter for how to book the hall and costs. PAL insurance is needed if alcohol is served
Thank You
Special thanks to Steven Thorne for our new Facebook connection and Francie Johnston for the website improvements. To the Trole Bros, George and Josh Taylor for supporting our skate park fun raising and all those who came out to support it and the Fun Fair.
Regular Events at the Community Hall
Sparta Stitchers meet every Tuesday from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at the hall to quilt, knit, crotchet, tat, smock, embroider, etc. Cost is $5.00 per session which is considered a donation and receives an income tax receipt. Come learn a new skill or just bring whatever you want to work on and have a good time visiting with your fellow stitchers. Call Sally Martyn (519-775-2292) for more information or just show up.
Scouts, Cubs, Beavers
Wednesday: 6:30 to 8:00 Beavers
Wednesday: 6:30 to 8:00 Cubs
Thursday: 6:30 to 8:00 and some Saturdays Scouts
Sparta Community Society
Please come and join us for our next meeting on Monday, September 15 at 7:00.
Community Society Executive
President: Pam Helmer (519-775-2613)
Vice President: Carly Higgins
Secretary: Yvonne Campbell
Treasurer: Ron Molyneux
Directors at Large: Yvonne Taylor, Louisa Zavitz
Hall Coordinator: Sally Martyn
The Sparta Community Hall is available for rent. We have a certified kitchen, are fully accessible and air conditioned. The cost schedule for upper hall is as follows: $50/hour, $150 for half day, $225 for full day and $300 if alcohol is served. Lower hall costs less. Repeat users get a discount. Call Sally Martyn at 519-775-2292 to make your reservation. Check out our web site for pricing, conditions, how to pay and a contract you can fill in and email.
Website: www.villageofsparta.com