For the second year, the Porcupine Plain Economic Development Committee was unable to proceed with the annual Christmas Cash promotion but, with the participation of the Porcupine Plain business community, were able to host a Holiday Gift Basket Draw to reward Porcupine Plain & Area residents for shopping locally this holiday season.

Every purchase or transaction made at participating merchants between November 15 & December 14, 2021 received an entry into the draw for a chance to win 1 of 3 amazing gift baskets full of items donated by Porcupine businesses.

On December 15th, Cory Leichert – Chair of the PP EDC, along with Koral Kriger – Community Development Officer for the Town of Porcupine Plain, went live on the Town’s Facebook Page to thank residents for supporting local and to announce the winners. 

Congratulations to Anita Harpham, who received the Vehicle Survival Kit; Bev Pickering, who received the Pampering Package; and Raechel Pauls, who was the recipient of the Grand Prize Basket.

Thank you to the businesses who made this promotion possible:
Parkland Co-op, Slobodian Pharmacy, Fields, Johnston Agencies, Caroline’s Restaurant, Just an Inch, Off Mane Street Hair Design, Bits n Pieces, Porcupine Plaza, Lueur Luxury Esthetics, Family Chiropractic & Wellness, Town of Porcupine Plain, Affinity Credit Union, Body in Harmony Massage, Blair’s Funeral Home, Porcupine Accounting, & Joanne Yacyshyn—Royal Lepage Hodgins Realty.

In honour of Porcupine Plain Comprehensive Schools 10-year anniversary, they are offering retro school clothing for all of our past students and families, as well as clothing with new logos.  Click HERE to visit their online store — the store closes DECEMBER 1, 2021.

   

Halloween 2021 is right around the corner!

If COVID-19 is present in your community, it is recommended that you avoid having indoor gatherings of any type, especially if you are unvaccinated, and that you consider alternatives to trick-or-treating, which can present risks of increased COVID-19 transmission.  However, with a few precautions, trick-or-treating can be made safer:

Trick-or-Treating

• If you are feeling unwell, please stay home.
• Trick-or-Treat with only your family members or a few close friends you already spend time with.
• Be sure to:
  • Wear a mask; incorporate it into your costume if possible;
  • Ensure physical distancing (two metres); and
  • Wash your hands before and after Trick-or-Treating.
• When approaching a house, have patience and wait for the group ahead of you to leave before approaching. Do not crowd the doorstep and stand two metres away. Knock on the door (avoid using the doorbell) or play a pre-recorded ‘Trick-or-Treat’ audio on your phone.
• After Trick-or-Treating, and prior to eating any treats, be sure to wash your hands.

Handing Out Candy

• If feeling unwell, please do not hand out candy.
• Only one person per household who is vaccinated should hand out treats for Trick-or-Treaters.
• When handing out candy:
  • Wear a mask;
  • Wash your hands frequently;
  • Use tongs to hand out candy or hand out individual candy bags; and
  • Only offer store-bought, individually wrapped candy.
• If weather permits, sit outside and place individual candy or candy bags on a table for children to take.
• Frequently sanitize high-touch areas including the doorbell, doorknob, and handrails for general hygiene and to protect against any viruses.

Halloween Parties

• Overall, gatherings should be kept small, especially if children under the age of 12 are present. Get together in small groups with households you frequently socialize with and ensure everyone is fully vaccinated.
• If weather permits, gather outside.
• If you are indoors:
  • Open windows and ensure good ventilation;
  • Maintain physical distancing (2 metres);
  • Avoid sharing food and drinks;
  • Consult the local public health unit or area for any gathering limits; and
  • Limit gatherings, whether they are in a home or in public places (e.g., bars and restaurants), to those who are fully vaccinated.
• Consider taking part in other outdoor Halloween festivities (e.g., corn maze or pumpkin patch) instead of gathering inside.

 

In addition to COVID-19 precautions, there are a number of other safety concerns when going door-to-door in the dark:

• Younger children should always be accompanied by an adult/supervisor
• Consider using a flashlight, glowsticks or reflective tape to make it easier to be seen at night
• Only cross the street where and when it is safe to do so — make eye contact with the driver before crossing in front of vehicles
• Walk – don’t run!  Pay attention when walking past driveways and make sure cards aren’t pulling in or out
• Costumes and shoes should fit properly to avoid trips and falls, and accessories (such as swords) should not be sharp
• Do not eat any candy until an adult has checked it
• Keep an eye out and drive safe!

 

Finally, because Halloween is on a Sunday, please be courteous of families’/households’ schedules and consider treating later in the afternoon and evening rather than in the morning or early afternoon.

 

Registrations are in and soon we will be ready to tour the town looking for scarecrows!  Maps are available at the bulletin board beside the Town Office, or download your own copy by clicking the image below.

All Scarecrows must be up by Thursday evening or Friday morning at the very latest.  Contest judging will take place at 4p.m. on Friday, October 8th, and scarecrows will remain up until after October 11th for the weekend tour!

Are you looking for work in Porcupine Plain? 

Visit the Job Posting section of our website for a list of current opportunities!

For Quilly Willy Days Sports Days, Caroline’s Restaurant is offering a $7.00 pancake breakfast on both Saturday, August 28th and Sunday, August 29th!  Caroline’s is open until 8p.m. — Check their Facebook Page to view their menu and daily/weekend lunch and dinner specials!  During Quilly Days, both Jig’s Corner Stop Cafe and Tasty Garden Restaurant are open until 9p.m.!!  Visit Jig’s on Facebook to view their menu. 

This weekend only, Tasty Garden is also offering 10% off all food orders!  Click the image below to enlarge their menu.

We have Chariots, Chuckwagons & Gymkhana on both Saturday and Sunday.  Kids’ Rides and Games, Burger & Confectionary Booths, and BINGO!  Saturday afternoon 3-5p.m., join us for an EPIC Foam Party, sponsored by AE Engineering.

Canada Day Celebrations in Porcupine Plain will be as follows:

1. Parade at 7p.m.
   Spectators may watch from anywhere along the parade route but must maintain the appropriate 2-meter physical distancing between household groups.  Masks are mandatory where physical distancing cannot be maintained.
   Treats and candies will not be thrown from the parade floats; rather, Celebration Kits will be safely handed to children along the parade route.

2. Virtual Show at 8:30p.m.
   Tune in to the Town of Porcupine Plain’s Facebook Page at 8:30p.m. to watch our virtual show, including live and pre-recorded performances by community groups and individuals, showcasing local talents and embracing the multicultural spirit of our community.
   
   
3. Fireworks at Dusk (approx 10p.m.)
   While we encourage residents to watch from their own yards if they are able to, spectators may watch the fireworks show from at or near the Porcupine Place Sports Grounds so long as physical distancing can be maintained between household groups.  Guidelines will be posted at the Sports Grounds.

If you are feeling unwell or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, please remain at home.
The parade and fireworks will also be live-streamed on Facebook for anyone unable to attend.