By KAREN PARKER | County Line Editor
If things go according to plan, Ontario residents can look forward to a revitalized park complete with new picnic areas, playground equipment, a welcome center and a history walk with interpretive signs and displays.
A group focused on improvements for Ontario has met each month since September, working with Susan Noble, director of the Vernon Economic Development Association.
After months of brainstorming and working through the possibilities and problems, the group decided its first project would be the revitalization of Palen Park.
The property, located between Highway 131 and the village square, is one of many areas where structures were razed to comply with the floodplain rules that were instituted with the La Farge dam project.
The Palen family donated the property to the Bredlow-Ewing American Legion Post initially, but the legion later passed it on to the village. At present, it contains a few items of playground equipment and a couple of picnic tables.
The first big fundraiser for the project will be held Sunday at the Ontario Community Hall. Ontario country musician Tor Eness will present his Mountain Music Show, which features Eric Nofsinger, Mike Stidolph, Stuart Thayer and others.
In keeping with the Mother’s Day theme, the event will offer ample opportunities to honor mom. You can give her a break from the kitchen, as grilled burgers and brats, other extras and a wide choice of homemade desserts will be served.
You can bid to win a weekend at the Cranberry Country Lodge honeymoon suite, which has its own Jacuzzi, fireplace and big-screen television. You can also take in a movie and dinner at the Ground Round.
The auction will also offer a weekend at Three Bears Lodge, with free waterpark tickets. For full details, see the advertisement on page 3.
You may also want to bid on a handcrafted rocker for grandma or some of the gourmet pies and goodies from area cooks.
The event will kick off at noon, with the music starting at 1 p.m. The auction will begin at 3 p.m., and the silent auction will end at 4 p.m.