‘Worth the Detour’ block party, sticker campaign aim to bring people to Drayton’s downtown

DRAYTON – It will be “Worth the Detour” around  Drayton’s  closed Simmon’s Bridge on Aug. 21 for a community celebration with live music, local food and breweries, and activities for children. 

That’s according to the Township of Mapleton, which is hosting the Worth the Detour Block Party on Wellington Street North from 5 to 10pm. 

Sticker campaign

The township has also launched a Drayton Worth the Detour community sticker campaign to encourage residents and visitors to continue supporting downtown merchants throughout the summer months. 

Simmon’s bridge (owned and maintained by Wellington County) is currently under construction and set to be closed for much of the summer.  

“From June 1 to Aug. 31, residents and visitors are invited to shop, dine and explore in Drayton, collecting a unique sticker displaying the merchant’s logo with each purchase or service at any participating business,” township officials state in a July 14 report. 

“Customers and visitors who collect six different stickers can submit their completed card for a chance to win up to $500 in gift cards” for the winner’s choice of local businesses, the report continues.  

“Multiple submissions are encouraged, providing more opportunities to win and greater support for our local merchants.” 

The participating businesses are Drayton Pharmasave, Corner Krest, a la mode, Family Time Pizza, Studio Rae, One Dee Thai Kitchen, Dobben’s Hardware, Drayton Massage and Osteopathy, Country Chic Aesthetics, Drayton Chop House, Drayton Freshmart and Blooms on Main. 

Block party

The Worth the Detour block party will kick off with live music, starting with Ivy Chung and her guitar from 5 to 7pm. 

Then Bernie Hale from Harriston will take the stage with his songwriter-folk and Americana with lyrics that encourage listeners to love the life they’re living and appreciate the little things.  

The New Nelson will close the night with a mix of rock, blues, ska and reggae. 

Breweries at the block party will include Nuestadt Springs Brewery. 

The Drayton Chop House will be extending its patio and offering a special menu for the block party, and other downtown restaurants including al la mode and One Dee’s Thai will be staying open late. 

Kids activities, including face painting and entertainment, run from 5 to 7pm. 

The block party is free to attend.