Summer officially begins with the Central Manitoulin Lions Homecoming Weekend
MINDEMOYA—It is one of the best traditions of a Manitoulin summer, and 2014 year marked the 36th annual Central Manitoulin Lions Club Homecoming Weekend in Mindemoya. The weekend featured many events and activities for everyone in the family to enjoy and take part in, and come they did.
On Friday evening all those on hand had a musical treat as two of Manitoulin Island’s most well-known musicians, Hardy Peltier and Doug Hore, were inducted into the Manitoulin Music Wall of Fame. Down Yonder (of which Mr. Hore is a member) provided the backup music for both of these music legends.
As well on Friday evening, the men’s fastball tournament started. The event included a total of six teams from Mindemoya, Aundeck Omni Kaning, Wikwemikong, Spanish, Kaboni and Gore Bay.
On Saturday many vendors were on hand with a large gathering of customers as well at the Mindemoya market held in the arena.
The spectacular parade was held in the morning with well over 20 entrants in the parade. The best corporate and best overall float award was won by the Red Bow/First General entry.
An old car show drew several old classic cars for the afternoon, while the Lions Elimination Dinner Draw and Dance was held in the evening. After the great dinner, the elimination draw was held with winners Cindy Shane, Larry Gies, Joanne Paquette, Deb Middaugh and Reno and Carol Santarossa, a group of six friends from Providence Bay and Sudbury, who split the $5,000 prize. This was followed by a dance open to the public.
On Sunday morning, the Mindemoya Classic, which includes a run, canoe and bike triathlon started at the government dock.
A horseshoe tournament was also held and the men’s fastball tournament concluded later Sunday afternoon. In the fastball tournament the Wikwemikong Lumberjacks took the A division championship, defeating Mindemoya in the finals. Unfortunately, the B division final pitting Gore Bay against Spanish was postponed due to rain.
The weekend full of family fun and activities concluded Sunday evening with a spectacular fireworks show at the Mindemoya Community Centre ball field.
