Sun shines on Crystal Beach at March of Umbrellas event

There is a “new season approaching” in Crystal Beach and an event held Saturday morning was one to celebrate that.

Hosted by non-profit organization Advancing Crystal Beach (ACB), dozens of people gathered at Queens Circle to mingle before and after a stroll through the village.

It was also a chance for neighbours to catch up if they hadn’t seen in each other in a few months, said Cass Boutilier, an ACB board member and the lead organizer of Saturday’s March of Umbrellas, held for the first time about five years ago.

“A lot of people might have been away for the winter and are now coming back,” she told Fort Erie Radio in an interview before the walk started.

Cash and electronic donations were being collected to support ACB and the many programs it runs, such as a monthly pop-up produce market at Crystal Ridge Community Church.

Non-perishable food items were also being donated at the event.

The theme of the event is that participants decorate their umbrellas, and in some cases, co-ordinate their clothing into an overall look.

Melissa Godwin and her family are big fans of Matty Matheson, a global celebrity chef who lives not far away in Ridgeway.

One of his ventures is Matheson Food Company and a line of boxed macaroni and cheese products, which Goodwin had affixed to her sunshade.

It’s an “homage to Matty,” she said.

Linda Hayden has been raising butterflies in her backyard since 2018, a process that ramps up this time of year.

The concept of her appearance at the event, which also rings in the spring, was “Magnificent Monarchs,” butterflies fluttering all over her umbrella and her sweatshirt. She also had “a little bit of Christmas” in her look.

Mel Monaco is a well-known figure in Niagara’s music scene, hosting regular music trivia and performing with her band across the region for many years.

The Crystal Chandelier, as well as Gather Tasting Room, are just two of the spots in the area she has worked at.

“I think Crystal Beach is a special place, a beautiful community and area, and its events like this that get people together in a magical way,” she told Fort Erie Radio on Saturday.

Ward 5 Councillor Tom Lewis admitted the event is away to prepare for the busy summer tourist season in Crystal Beach, but there’s more to it than that.

“We try to get people here all year but this is no doubt a kickoff to saying goodbye to winter,” said Lewis, adding another important component is supporting businesses who are open all year or are just starting to set up shop for the season, especially during a time when “shop local” is important.

He said the Crystal Beach community is lucky to have events like March of Umbrellas and the groups who host them.

“A huge shoutout should not only go to the participants but also the people who give to the community,” he told Fort Erie Radio.

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