- by Anne Finlay-Stewart, Editor

As City Council was split on the wisdom of bringing out-of-town vendors into downtown for a food festival in July, may we respectfully request the return of the Hottest Street Sale?

The Salmon Spectacular and Summerfolk are both proudly and loudly announcing they are returning in person this summer – is it time to celebrate by bringing back the Hottest 31 year old tradition? We already have the banners!

Food vendors of all kinds are always popular – indoors or on the street. With the obvious appetite for poutine, perhaps there could be a competition open to all vendors for the most delicious dish featuring potatoes – an ingredient that is ubiquitous on most menus, Ontario grown, inexpensive, available, and naturally vegan and gluten-free. Fries, perogies, twice-baked?

Local musicians are tripping over themselves to book live gigs, and the Hottest stage has always been very popular with audiences. Maybe an “Owen Sound's Got Talent” type event for an hour or two, similar to the Georgian Bay Folk Society's Youth Discoveries that has been sponsored by The Dock (now Bounce) radio. As DIA members themselves, maybe the Folk Society folk would be interested in helping with that.

Even long-time downtown businesses could use an opportunity to shine when the weather is good and the tourists are thickest on the ground. And those that are new, relocated or under new management since the last Hottest Street Sale in 2019 would have a chance to introduce themselves.

Just some of those off the top of my head include: Pwrfade Golf Simulator Lounge, Sundays Ice Cream, C.C.'s Variety, Crowns and Fades, Daisy's Clay House, Village Pizzeria, Sabitri's, Body Science, Naagan,Rocking Horse, Sizzlin',Bare Birch, Sour Kat Records, Bloemers, Fresh Roots, Georgian Bay Woodworking, Moonfire, Boon Bakery,Spirit Leaf, Sunpoint, Sugar Dust Bakery, GBarts and the Palette, Birgit's, Hermosa, Wildflowers Consignment...whew!

So much to promote under  “See what's changed since the last Hottest day!”

There are also so many attractions, agencies and non-profits that have used the Hottest Street Sale for fundraising, promotion, membership and volunteer development. Think Kiwanis, Knights of Columbus, Rotary, Owen Sound Little Theatre, the TOM, Public Health, United Way, Community Waterfront Heritage Centre, REACH, Grey Roots, the Billy Bishop... dozens more over the years.

As DIA members ourselves, the OwenSoundHub and Community Incubator (the Inc.) would be delighted to promote and participate in a newly re-launched Hottest Street Sale event in 2022. Let the great ideas roll!