2025 Year in Review: What a Ride!
It’s hard to believe how far we’ve come since opening The Barn in May 2022, and yet somehow 2025 has already raced past in a blur of bows, arrows, and unforgettable moments.
Let’s take a quick stroll through another amazing year together.
January–March: Winter Fun, Barn-Style
We ushered in the new year with our newly launched Barn Winter Wind-Up, a cozy indoor challenge that kept everyone shooting without braving frosty fingers or icy winds. A perfect way to warm up 2025!
May: Phil Nelson Challenge
Spring brought the always-enjoyable Phil Nelson Challenge—an invitational full of stories, laughs, and plenty of friendly competition.
July: A TAANS Highlight
July treated us to the first-ever TAANS shoot hosted by Mike MacCallum and his wife in New Anam. Over 50 archers from across Atlantic Canada and Quebec came together for an unforgettable weekend of traditional archery.
August: Fire Ban Blues
A provincial fire ban meant our Summer-Sizzle-Shoot (and a few other events) had to take a pause. Safety first—but we certainly missed the outdoor fun.
October: Halloween Hits the Barn
Our Barn Trophy member shoot and Halloween social brought big smiles, great costumes, and some surprisingly spooky shots. A playful, pumpkin-flavoured highlight of the fall!
November: Frosty Frenzy Time
When November arrived, so did our beloved Frosty-Frenzy-Shoot. Cool weather, warm company, and a few cups of hot chocolate—it doesn’t get much better.
December: Christmas Social & Awards
We wrapped up the year with our Christmas celebration and the final round of our Barn Champions awards.
This was the final year for the Barn Champions program in its current format—new ideas are already brewing for the future!
John’s Archery: A Busy, Brilliant Year
John and the team kept the community buzzing with activity this year. A few of the highlights:
⇒ Delivered another great season of lessons and coaching.
⇒ Helped lead the CBRM Active Weeks for kids and adults—“Try Archery” is always a hit!
⇒ Supported Caleb’s Courage with style and heart.
⇒ Held a wonderful July Open House that welcomed new faces.
⇒ Launched the new John’s Archery Online Shop, making it easier than ever to gear up.
⇒ Brought archery to the Sydney Mines Fishing, Hunting & Outdoor Show, sharing knowledge and excitement with visitors.
⇒ Joined the festive fun at the St. Peter’s Christmas Event on November 22, giving families and kids a chance to try archery amid twinkling lights, Christmas music, and holiday cheer. It was a magical way to kick off the season!
Looking Ahead to 2026
Next year is shaping up to be a big one.
We’re expanding our outdoor course—still cleaning up from Fiona, but making great progress—and aiming to launch a brand-new outdoor event in June.
With everything coming together, we’re anticipating four outdoor shoots in 2026. Amazing!
The Barn Champions may be retiring in it’s current format, but don’t worry… we’ve got ideas up our sleeves, and Barn Champions will return – just different.
Stay tuned. 😉
And our much-loved Ladies Night will be back from April to September—because evenings with friends and flying arrows are simply unbeatable.
A Heartfelt Holiday Message
As we decorate, celebrate, and maybe sneak an extra cookie or two, we want to send our warmest Christmas and New Year wishes to all our archers, volunteers, supporters, customers and Barn friends.
Thank you for filling 2025 with energy, kindness, laughter, and thousands of arrows in the air. Whether you shot your best round ever or simply enjoyed a coffee while cheering someone on, you’re part of The Barn family—and we’re grateful for you.
Wishing you a Christmas full of joy, silly moments, and just the right amount of holiday treats. And as we step into 2026, may your year be filled with new challenges, new memories, and plenty of archery adventures (bonus points for dodging any wayward fruitcakes).
Merry Christmas and a wonderfully goofy New Year! 🎄🏹✨
Barn Archers & John’s Archery
Bridget, Joe, Karen & John
