Chamber turns Queen Street pink

With almost 500 people dressed in pink Sunday night, onlookers on Queen Street would have been excused for expecting an outdoor screening of the new Barbie movie, with all its shades of pastel pink.

The gathering was for the annual outdoor event hosted by the Niagara-on-the-Lake Chamber of Commerce and NOTL Tourism, this year dubbed the Shades of Rose Dinner.

“It’s usually called Shades of Summer,” Chamber and Tourism NOTL president and CEO Minerva Ward told The Local Sunday night. “As you know, we’re elevating our wine industry. This is an ode to our Niagara-on-the-Lake wine industry, especially the rose wines that are made here.”

As pink as the outfits were, many attendees were pouring pre-ordered beverages of a similar shade as they sat down to enjoy their bring-your-own meals, many prepared with the same care as a five-star chef. 

Linda Ridgeway, owner of a new local business called Bubble Taps, was on site with one of her three Italian Ape Piaggio vehicles, all outfitted with beverage taps. She was also pouring drinks while diners lined up to snap photos at a display set up by another local business, Selfie Mode. 

For the first time, two tables were awarded prizes. Engel and Volkers real estate broker Nancy Bailey’s table won the Best Dressed Award, while Nancy Hummel and Victoria Gilbert’s table was chosen as Best Decorated. 

As a non-profit organization, the NOTL Chamber uses the money raised from the annual event to fund many of its programs and services. As well, a portion is always donated to a worthy cause. 

“A portion is going to the restoration of the cenotaph,” Ward explained. “Obviously, we are here in the shadow of the cenotaph, and the NOTL Legion is raising funds for that. We felt it would be a noble, worthwhile gesture to support that cause.” 

The event capped a busy weekend for the Chamber, following as it did the annual Peach Festival, with a section of Queen Street blocked off to traffic all weekend. 

“The town is a wonderful partner for all of our events,” Ward said. “They help us make the transition between these two events as seamless as possible.”