THERE'S ALWAYS A feeling of change come June in the Highlands as cottagers and tourists fill our stores and streets with their carefree laughter and laid back ethos.

But this year seems even more dynamic, as the permanent community celebrates some milestones and the town gets spruced up for summer guests.

Here are just a few of the changes, accomplishments and general positive things you might have heard about this week in Haliburton (in no particular order).

1. Relay for Life raises $1 million

The phenomenal reception the Canadian Cancer Society's signature fundraiser had in Haliburton continued this year.

Teams of walkers harnessed community spirit to bring in $121,620 pushing Haliburton's event over the million mark in just six short years.

2. No more hydro lines

The thick black cables that once adorned Highland Street have miraculously disappeared. While we've known for some time that this day would come, Haliburton's main street without the clutter is an almost awe-inspiring sight.

3. Renovations

Who in town hasn't been blissfully lost in the entranceway of either of the town's grocery stores? Both simultaneously began renovations this spring and even though that means a little confusion for the store regular, the results have made grocery shopping something new again.

4. Recycling honours

Dysart is among the top electronics recyclers in the province. Measured in volume per household, our landfills were 4th among all of those that use Ontario Electronic Stewardship services. Algonquin Highlands came in second in the province.

5. Farmers' market season is here

June 15 will be the first county farmers' market of the season. This week's theme is rhubarb, that zingy, colourful, cheek-puckering sign of summer.

This year, the market's association is putting on a special effort to get the community involved in local food. (See our story on page 14.)

6. United Church turns 100

While the congregation has been going strong for much longer, the picturesque building on Pine Avenue celebrated a century with pipes, speeches and celebration on Sunday.

Those are some of my favourite things from the past week. If you have any to add, send them in! Email jenn.watt@sunmedia.ca, call 457-1037 ext. 39, bring them by the office or go to our website and comment on this article at haliburtonecho.ca.