KAGAWONG—The sunny skies and warm weather this past weekend provided an excellent opportunity to go fishing, learn angling techniques and strategies, listen to some great music, visit over 40 vendor booths of Island businesses and organizations and much more.
The Manitoulin Streams Improvement Association (MSIA) Outdoor Angling Trade Fair, held in Kagawong this past weekend, was a huge success.
“This was a very well-organized event, and the setup of the event location was well structured for people to come in and visit the vendors and take part in events and activities,” said Lisa Corbiere-Addison of B.J.’s and Addison’s OK Tire Yamaha and Husqvarna. “This is a great location, with many indoor and outdoor venues. And the community of Kagawong has been very supportive of this event and has been volunteering and helping out, which is great.”
“I also like the incorporation of streams with Liam (Campbell) doing the tour of the stream rehabilitation in the community and people talking about conservation,” said Ms. Corbiere-Addison. “I would come back again.”
Liam Campbell of MSIA welcomed everyone to the event. “We have many amazing vendors (42 in total), several competitions for members of the family, a kids’ fishing derby and many other activities and events.”
Mr. Campbell thanked the many sponsors of the event for their and the many volunteers who helped put on the event at the opening ceremonies on Saturday.
Josh Eshkawkogan presented the land’s acknowledgement and prayer teachings.
Erik Theijsmeijer of the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor) said, “We are very happy to be a funding sponsor for this event. I would like to recognize the work Manitoulin Streams has carried out on the Island over the past 20 years, including the extensive restoration work on the Kagawong River and trail. It is great to see this being restored and the new angling viewing platform.”
“This outdoor angling trade fair is a great event for the community,” said Mr. Theijsmeijer, who acknowledged the tremendous efforts of Manitoulin Streams staff in putting on the event. “Congratulations on this event; it will be an amazing weekend.”
Kristin Luoma of Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation pointed out, “Manitoulin Streams does so much work on stream rehabilitation and many other things yearly so we can enjoy all of our natural assets on Manitoulin. I would like to thank you for all your work and congratulate you (Manitoulin Streams) on hosting this event.”
“This outdoor angling trade fair is a great opportunity to kick off the summer,” said Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing MP Carol Hughes. “Manitoulin Streams has played a huge role in ensuring not only the streams and the environment is in great shape, but also in bringing tourism to the Island.”
Dave Hillyard, deputy mayor and councillor in Billings, told the gathering, “This is a fantastic first event. We are all fortunate with all the work that Manitoulin Streams has done for us in this community and around the Island. On behalf of the township, I would like to thank Manitoulin Streams for hosting this event, the sponsors for their support, the volunteers, vendors and anyone participating. Have a great weekend.”
The day’s activities started with Mr. Campbell hosting a Kagawong River Restoration tour, live music provided by Annette Smith, an anchor toss competition, and guest speakers Neil Debassige of Fuel the Fire TV and Greg Cotnam, a local fishing charter operator, who talked about fishing on Manitoulin, what they recommend using to fish for different species of fish on the Island, and other tips and information.
“Events like this are critical to the Island,” said Mr. Debassige, who said, “Manitoulin Streams has helped improve Manitoulin Island’s life. It is a not-for-profit organization that has done great work repairing our tributaries around the Island. Their efforts and events like this go toward their rehabilitation and conservation projects on Manitoulin.”
The afternoon’s events include a fly fishing demonstration by Blaine Armstrong, music by Aiyana Louis and a boat pull competition.
Many individuals and family teams participated in the boat pull competition. Each participant had 15 seconds to pull a boat, provided by Harbor Vue Marine, as far as they could. Team participants included an individual pulling a boat with at least a couple of family members seated in it. Bud Spry won both the open division and the family division, while Maria Diebolt was the winner in the ladies’ division.
Brittany Allen, of Allen’s Automotive, a vendor at the event, said Saturday, “We have been busier than I had expected. There has been a nice, consistent flow of visitors to our booth. Both local people and summer visitors received the event well. Oh, for sure, we would come back.”
Sunday’s events list included several similar activities held Saturday, along with an Odawa Foundational Teachings presentation by Sonny Osawabine, guest speaker Moe Gauthier of Manitoulin Sport Fishing Charters, a silent and live auction (the latter with Norm Morrell doing the auctioneering duties), music by Cole Hughson, and much more.
During the weekend, there were a host of other kids’ activities, as well as activities adults and all family members could enjoy.
