ARTS FESTIVAL OPENS WITH PRESENTATION

The Headwaters Arts Festival, the 17-day extravaganza and celebration of the best local creative talent, kicked off Friday night with an official launch at the SGI Caledon Centre for Culture and Education near Alton. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of a Lifetime Achievement Award to renowned wood carver Paul Burdette, of the Burdette Gallery near Orton. Making the presentation was famed Canadian artist Robert Bateman and sculptor Monica O'Halloran-Schut, who created the prize Burdette received. The festival runs until Oct. 13.