Sault is officially Fresh obsessed (photos)

"Of all my achievements, this is the one I am most proud of," said Joanne Robinson, editor-in-chief for FRESH.magaizine.

A significant statement, indeed, from a woman who has worked in promotions for the du Maurier Downtown Jazz Festival, the Gemini Awards and the Genie Awards.

With a target audience of those aged 15-29, a publication of this sort has proved extremely successful in other communities and development of one in Sault Ste. Marie has been a topic of discussion for years.

Talk finally became action through the collaborative efforts of the Sault Youth Council, Employment Connection and the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, as the official launch for FRESH.magazine kicked off at the Station Mall yesterday at 4 pm.

The celebration continued until 9 pm with music provided by the Wild Turkeys, KT Antler, MD Dunn and Catherine Taddo.

Between performances, fashions were modeled from Station Mall merchants including Le Chateau, Ecco, Kiddie Kobbler, Raw, Hill Tribe and Eclipse.

Members of the Sault Ste. Marie Arts Council, YMCA and Employment Connection were on hand offering information, give-aways and support for the event and live on-air coverage was provided by YES FM.

Local artists including Robbie Adamson, James Ambeault and Sara Forais had their works on display, encouraging others to contribute to the publication.

Ballots were eagerly filled out by spectators for the many prizes available and congratulations are in order for the lucky winner of the $500 Station Mall gift card, Alicia Vogl.

Seemingly very well received, the racks surrounding the main stage area filled with ample supplies FRESH.magazine gradually depleted.

Jordan Flesher, singer for the Crossed whose photo dons the cover, was spotted collecting an arm-full of the magazine to distribute to friends and family.

Tickled with his new found fame, Flesher tells me he plans on contributing to the April issue.

Anyone interested in submitting art, poetry, photography, reviews, opinions or stories to FRESH.magazine are encouraged to do so before the April 6 deadline by contacting (705) 945-1600, ext. 4346.

Submissions may also be sent directly to submissions@thefreshmagazine.com or editor@thefreshmagazine.com.

Additional volunteers and advertisers are more than welcome.

The free publication is currently available at Algoma University College, Sault College, the Station Mall, the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library, Uppercase Book Store, the Steamy Bean, the Steelback Centre, local high schools and many other locations.

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(Note: As a contributer myself, I can profess to the warm feeling that comes from supporting the community in this manner, although it won't make you richer, smarter or appear thinner. Delusions of youthfulness are a possibility...)