Clonmel Castle’s Red Carpet Fashion Show was more than a chance to show off Port Dover’s latest styles.
Clonmel owner Lynneee Steffler invited the owners of six local clothing stores to dress more than 15 models in their wares to help boost business and raise funds for Stix ‚N‘ Pix, a charity founded by retired NHL player and Simcoe native Ryan VandenBussche to help kids play hockey and musical instruments.
Steffler was so impressed with the charity she wanted to use her new property Clonmel Castle, which was built by Haldimand MPP Toby Barrett’s family in 1929, to help out Stix ‚N‘ Pix.
VandenBussche and his wife Lisa were two of the models and the 150 guests who showed up to support the evening of food, drink and fashion.
Steffler said the clothing stores showcased on Saturday night have all been struggling along with other downtown businesses due to ongoing roadwork. She hopes the event will help improve the visibility of the retailers and get business back on track.
„It has been horrible,“ she said. „Sales have been way down.“
Steffler hopes to make the fashion show an annual event. The first edition raised roughly $300.
The ticket price was just $25 and covered most of the costs. Caterer Ben Ayers helped the event along with a donation of food and services.
Since buying Clonmel Castle, Steffler has been busy renovating it to serve as a bed and breakfast and rental property. Of the 11 rooms, six are occupied by tenants.
„I haven’t slept in six months, but I will next week,“ she said.
Steffler said she was grateful to designer Michele Starr for helping her make the castle presentable.
While Steffler has hosted open houses at Clonmel and a Halloween party, the fashion show was the first big community event. She is hoping the castle will become a regular gathering place for Port Dover.
„It’s all about bringing this town to life,“ she said.
Coming up at the castle is a Christmas party.
Steffler said she has heard the Barretts hosted as many as 1,400 people at Clonmel in the 1930s, but back then they owned 500 acres surrounding it. Now most of that land is home to condominiums. Steffler owns about four acres.Read more at:white formal dresses | black formal dresses