LITTLE CURRENT—This Civic Holiday weekend marks the 55th annual Little Current Lions Club’s Haweater Weekend. What started as a homecoming weekend in Little Current’s downtown has grown to be known province-wide and beyond for its family fun and laid back atmosphere.
“We’re so pleased to once again offer a great lineup of Haweater Weekend events,” said Lion President Bruce Burnett, Haweater Weekend committee co-chair. The theme of this year’s Haweater is “Alo-Haw.”
The Carver Kings just can’t seem to get enough of Haweater Weekend and they’ll be returning to their old spot at the old fire hall parking lot on the corner of Meredith and Worthington street from Wednesday, July 31 to Monday, August 5. Stop by and watch art being made with only a chainsaw!
The Royal Canadian Legion has a few events taking place this Haweater. Thursday night wing night is back August 1. Eat-in or takeout available. Place your order by calling the Legion at (705) 368-2661 after 4 pm. On Friday night, the Legion is again feeding the masses with its famous steak dinner from 5 to 7 pm. For just $20 per person you get a steak, baked potato, coleslaw, bun, ice cream and a drink! Stick around Friday night and sing your heart out at the Legion karaoke contest. Admission is $10 per person with prizes to be won. Please email rclbr.177@hotmail.com for registration.
On Friday, August 2 the downtown street will be closed from the morning until Sunday night and filled with vendors of all descriptions. Be sure to check out the many Haweater deals and specials being offered by Little Current’s downtown business community, too.
While downtown be sure to have your little one’s face painted by Olivia, who will be downtown all weekend long, or pay a visit to the Psychic Chantale at The Collective from Friday through Sunday.
The Little Current United Church is hosting a silent auction Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm both days.
At 6 pm Friday night, George Williamson and Friends will sing classic rock and country from the cenotaph. Freewill offerings to the Manitoulin Food Bank are welcomed.
On Friday night head to Low Island Park and the Lion Pavilion to watch the annual Haweater Weekend mixed slow-pitch tournament, have a cold beverage and a tasty burger or sausage from the Lions’ barbecue. The ball tournament, beer garden and barbecue runs all weekend long.
On Saturday, August 3 the Huron Bass Tour is back for its second annual Haweater Weekend stop. Anglers are asked to contact Ben Bond at (705) 920-0568 to register. The tournament runs from 8 am to 4 pm and begins and ends at Spider Bay Marina.
Namaste! Start your Haweater Saturday off with yoga on the docks at 9 am at the far east end of the downtown docks.
The popular NEMI Farmers’ Market’s special Haweater Weekend edition market will get underway from 9 am to noon at the Market Garden Pavilion and grounds (across from the BMO).
Start your, errrrrr, engines? The Haweater Soapbox Derby runs from 9 am to noon on Vankoughnet Street East. Practice runs begin at 9:30 am with elimination runs to follow.
At 10 am, head to the NEMI Public Library for Breakaway Sports and Cycle’s 5K Haw Run. Prizes!
Starting at noon until 5 pm on Saturday, and again on Sunday, Low Island will be filled with inflatables and new this year, a climbing wall!
While at Low Island, register a team for the beach volleyball competition. Contact Tracey
Esposto to put in a team at (705) 822-3212.
At 12:30 pm, the 19th annual cardboard boat races is back! Please bring your boat to the beach for noon to register. For more information contact Lion Alicia at (705) 929-3101. This event is proudly sponsored by the Little Current Lions Club.
Always been curious about the up-and-coming sport of pickleball? Head to the NEMI rec centre at 1 pm for a pickleball demonstration on the tennis courts.
Also at 1 pm, the Crash Sunday Band will be performing at the cenotaph, covering pop, rock and country or head to the library for “slime time” until 3 pm.
From 2 to 4 pm a children’s show featuring Spider Man and Elsa will be free to families downtown at Expositor Square. This event is sponsored by Abbie Drolet, realtor, Bousquet Realty.
On Saturday night it’s the moment many have been waiting for—Hawfest! Head to the NEMI rec centre from 8 pm to 1 am for not one, but two Hawfest dancefloors! Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Tickets available from The Manitoulin Expositor or Boarderline.
Sunday morning will begin with an ecumenical church service at the cenotaph at 10 am. In case of rain, head to the Little Current United Church. Don’t forget your lawn chair!
Yoga returns at 11:30 am, again at the end of the downtown docks.
Everyone loves a parade! The famous Haweater Weekend Parade, with the theme of Alo-Haw, gets underway at noon.
At 3 pm, Low Island will be a hive of activity with children’s games and activities on offer.
From 5 to 6 pm, Joe and Beth Arnold of Island Time Dancing will be leading line dancing in downtown Little Current then at 7 pm, the street dance begins.
At dusk, the grand Haw finale, the Thunder Over the Channel fireworks display gets underway. Donations to next year’s display will be gratefully accepted by the Lions.
New this year, the Lions will be having a 50/50 draw (draw to take place at 9 pm on Sunday). Tickets are available for sale downtown at the Lions Club booth where they will also be selling official Haweater merchandise, Catch the Ace tickets, Hawfest tickets and so much more. Stop by and say hello!
Happy Haweater!
