Simcoe County residents soak up last bit of summer as numbers spike

The first day of fall is a week away and it seems summer isn’t done just yet after a cool start to September, temperatures across the region are on the rise thi

As September carries on, those who can are out enjoying what is left of the summer season at Wasaga Beach.

“We go anywhere where there’s sun and beach, wherever we can find it,” said Gloria Rousseau, who was walking along the beach with her husband.

Although Beach Area 1 remains under construction, residents were still relaxing on the beach.

With others soaking up the sun before cooler weather settles in.

“I’m just taking advantage of the good weather because probably, maybe, we’ve got another two or three weeks like that,” said Mike Grisbrook.

Meanwhile, the greens are in great shape at Innisbrook Golf Course as players take advantage.

“It’s incredible; that’s why we’re out here today trying to take advantage of the good weather,” said Mike Lombardi, who was golfing with his friends. “Get a few rounds in before the cold weather kicks in.”

Vito Rizzo, another avid golfer, said the warm conditions can influence how you play.

“Your body’s loose and warm, and you don’t have to worry about the elements, so it’s almost like mid-season form at the end of the season,” said Rizzo.

With the golf course benefitting from the summer-like conditions.

Craig Membery, GM, Innisbrook Golf Course

“It’s great; whenever you get weather like this in September, it’s a bonus,” said general manager of Innisbrook Golf Course Craig Membery. “So we’ve had a lot of rounds played, and it’s been busy.”

Elsewhere in the region, farmers and producers like Fernwood Farms in Stayner are busy in the fields with harvest.

“Just great hot weather; we can all get out and keep harvest going,” said Kevin Ward, owner of Fernwood Farms. “Stuff like our corn maze is open seven days a week so people can get out there now and enjoy the corn maze and the other things that we have at the store, because there are no rainy days.”

With pumpkins ready to go just in time for October.

“They’re done growing for this year, and they’ve got colour on them now,” said Ward. “So now we’re just with the great forecast; we can get all those things up to the front lawn and get them sold.”