Clearview holds ‘Small Halls’ festival

Clearview Township is holding a four-day party to celebrate rural life, and to keep its community halls alive.

It’s called the “Small Halls” Festival, and it runs from Thursday to Sunday in nine of the township’s local community buildings.

The buildings will host everything from live music to local food and beer, games, and competitions.

In Duntroon, the chair of the Duntroon Hall Board, Jim Campbell, says the hamlet would lose its identity without the hall.

"It's what defines the community in a way. For a lot of places, Avening is a great example, there are no stores left in Avening but the community hall is the heart of the community,” said Campbell.

Clearview Township Recreation director Shane Sargant, say there are some fun activities planned for the festival.

"Avening hall, one of our halls, is known for its concerts. They get people from all over coming to their events. In Singhampton they're having a scotch nosing event. Sunnidale’s known for their cards and guitar music. So every hall kind of has its niche, its market.”

Small Halls is the perfect way to experience the unique communities around them.

"I think this is a chance for some people to explore, and some of these little hovels are in out of the way places … and they're going to find some unique things when they travel to the township,” said Stayner resident Larry Culham.

The festival is also serving as a fundraiser to keep the halls open.