Two coming events in Napanee aim to benefit Morningstar Mission, which opens its warming centre for the season on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025.
As previously covered, the organization’s Executive Director Kevin Alkenbrack has noted Morningstar fears this winter season may see their warming centre push capacity.
“Last year, we felt we were reaching capacity. This year, we expect to get there,” Alkenbrack said, noting, “We are seeing people from all walks of life.”
Beyond its warming centre, Morningstar Mission offers meals to those in need through community meals and through mobile and takeout meals — with locations serving Napanee, Odessa, Deseronto, Newburgh, Bath, Tamworth, and Northbrook.
With that in mind, two community events will raise funds for the Napanee shelter and food assistance provider — and hopefully lead to many smiles, much laughter and camaraderie, and some fun memories for community members in the process.
Fall Crafters Road Show back for seventh year in support of Morningstar Mission
After Thanksgiving and before Halloween, the 7th Annual Fall Crafters’ Road Show promises an eventful day to celebrate and explore local artisans, crafters, and makers throughout the Greater Napanee and Stone Mills area. The event will take place Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Susan Tucker, who organizes the show with fellow crafter Lynda Carney, noted the pair hoped it would offer an opportunity for people to get out and “enjoy the fall weather with friends while going around to different locations.”
A wide range of vendors will pitch their tents for the public to peruse their wares. There will be woodcrafters, metal workers, soap makers, crocheters, jewellery designers, bakers, quilters, and more.
Vendor fees are $45, and applications closed Sept. 1, 2025. Tucker noted the money raised goes toward the local non-profit organization, Morningstar Mission.
The Mission offers a variety of programs and events for the community, including (but not limited to) a warming centre, free meals, emergency food, and a place to worship.
Unlike some other craft shows, this one invites participants to travel around the region and take in the splendour of fall. Tucker noted this idea came about, in part, during the pandemic, when outdoor events were favoured over indoor ones.
“Lynda Carney and I came up with this idea to have a craft show outdoors during the Covid-19 pandemic,” stated Tucker. “We did it with Morningstar Mission in mind.”
In the past, they have raised between $3,000 and $3,500. But, said Tucker, they “always hope for more.”
This year, they are partnering with Humble Coffee House in Napanee.
“Humble Coffee House will be our central location,” said Tucker. “So, we are hoping people will stop there and support them.”
Unlike other years, there will be no vendor sites within Napanee itself. Vendors will be located south and north of Napanee.
Maps and brochures with detailed information about the craft show can be found in the following businesses: The Waterfront Pub and Bistro, Humble Coffee House, Brokerlink, the Soap Shack, Sand and Sea, and the Morningstar Mission.
Anyone who wishes to contact the organizers can do so via email at [email protected]. Find more details on the Fall Crafters’ Road Show Facebook page.
‘Elvis’ comes to Napanee in support of Morningstar Mission
Elvis may be long gone, but Napanee local Wayne Scott is known for giving an impeccable impersonation of “the King.”
And, on November 13, the public is invited to the Best and Bash Arena for the fundraising concert Ode to Daniel in support of Morningstar Mission.
Half the proceeds of this event will go toward the Mission.
In anticipation of this event, Scott took some time to speak about the impetus behind this particular concert and his affinity for one of Rock and Roll’s most legendary singers.
Scott explained that his desire to help the Mission was born of personal tragedy.
“About three years ago, my son, who was homeless, died in a tent in St. Catharines,” he said, adding that his son was invited to live at home on more than one occasion. “Ever since then, I’ve had a heart for people who are homeless with nowhere to go. Even though my son had somewhere to go, he wouldn’t.”
Scott added that because of the increasing homeless population in Napanee, he decided to approach the Mission and “see if they need any help.”
Currently, and for several years, the Mission has offered several programs to help the homeless, including free meals and a warming centre. Scott hopes the funds from the concert will help more homeless people get off the streets for the winter, keep them warm, and provide “whatever else they might need”.
Reflecting on his decades spent touring the U.S. and Canada as Elvis, Scott felt his act would be a “good thing to bring to Napanee.”
He also noted that he plans to do more shows in the region soon.
“I’m told I’m one of the closest voices to Elvis you will hear. It’s something I have always enjoyed doing. I’ve loved it since I was a young man and have carried that throughout my life,” said Scott.
Elvis, also known as Wayne Scott, will take to the Best and Bash stage on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. The show ends at 9:30. Tickets are $30 (plus tax) and can be purchased at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wayne-scotts-tribute-to-elvis-tickets-1752217843739.
More information on Morningstar Mission and the programs and services it offers can be found on the organization’s website.