The 2011 Storm Realty Cornwall Winterfest - complete with fireworks - provided one way for local residents to overcome the "winter blahs."

PHOTO CREDIT - OurHometown.ca

Cornwall - Feb. 27, 2011 - Beating the "winter blahs" can be challenging sometimes. I think Cornwall and area residents have been fortunate enough this winter to be able to safely say the "winter blahs" haven't really had a chance to settle in.

The year started with the Rock the Ice show at the Civic Complex and was quickly followed up by the ever popular annual Seaway International Wine Festival at the Ramada Inn in mid January. Buddy Holly Lives at Aultsville Theatre wrapped up the January portion of the calendar.

February kicked off with a musical hosted by the Cornwall Public Library. The Cornwall and Area Chamber of Commerce outdid itself with this year's Business Excellence Awards and Citizen of the Year Dinner while the ever growing Storm Realty Winterfest was the place to be for two fun days in the middle of February.

All those things to do and that's before March break!

But what about in between the aforementioned events?

I've noticed a growing number of people taking the time to use the facilities Cornwall has such as the aquatic centre.

The aquatic centre had a huge audience of support to ensure it was built what seems like a lifetime ago but it's only been a few years. There were some detractors at the time telling us that Cornwall could not afford such a facility. Cornwall wouldn't support such a facility over the long haul. The aquatic centre has become one of the jewels of the community. Is it perfect? No. But it's a very nice and well used facility that will continue to encourage healthy activity for all residents.

Same goes for the bike path. Runners and walkers ensure the lengthy, scenic path is used year round. It won't be long before the bicycles will be joining the walkers and runners.

The list of coming events or programs - either at the civic complex or Aultsville Theatre or the Cornwall Public Library - continues to offer something for every residents' taste in sports, arts or culture and even leisure.

There's a lot to do in Cornwall and you don't have to look too far.

There really isn't any excuse to allow the "winter blahs" to settle in.