There was an incredible turnout for the Living Locally Fair held at St. Thomas Aquainus Catholic School in Russell. There was plenty of opportunity to visit with friends while perusing the vendor booths. Thompson Goddard Photo
RUSSELL – There was a fantastic turnout for the 2025 Living Locally Fair held at St. Thomas Aquanis Catholic High School in Russell on Sat., Jan. 18.
The event was originally organized by the Russell and District Horticultural Society for 16 years and since 2022 organized by Matt Spence and his team.
“Absolutely awesome” commented organizer Spence when asked about the turnout at the event. Throughout the day people were able to socialize with friends and neighbours, peruse the over 120 vendors who attended the event, enjoy a bite to eat or perhaps pick up a unique gift or learn about the several local organizations which had booths at the event.
The Russell and District Historical Society, the Russell Agricultural Society, and the Russell Association for the Performing Arts as well as many other organizations which serve the local community.
Spence explained the vendors came from many locations including the Ottawa Valley, Prescott-Russell or Stormont Dundas and Glengarry with their products. He explained that the products themselves had to either produced, sourced or embellished locally to participate in the Living Locally Fair.
A sincere thank you was extended to the 10 student volunteers, the support received from the school community, to the vendors and the local community for attending this long-standing mid-winter event.
Carolyn Thompson Goddard, grew up in Chesterville and attended North Dundas District High School. After completing her BA in Political Science at Carleton University she has worked as a medical secretary and library technician. In 2020 she graduated from Algonquin College with a diploma in Journalism and has been a reporter and column writer for The Chesterville Record for over 10 years.
