GORDON/BARRIE ISLAND—The fourth annual celebration of kites in Gordon/Barrie Island took off last Sunday, June 2 under heavy skies that did nothing to deter the enthusiastic crowd.
Funded entirely by donations and volunteers, the festival is hosted by the Western Manitoulin Community Garden in a wide open green space the size of several football fields donated for the event by the McLaughlin family.
Adults and children ran hither and yon, pulling on the strings that tether the kites, teasing them into the wind until they rose, seemingly miraculously, into the heavens, pops of cheerful colour in the dark sky.
It was a fun day for all, with the Lyons Memorial United Church in Gore Bay providing a welcome table with a supply of kites and repair materials; a rock painting station was facilitated by Sarah Earley and Scott Miller where kids’ creative efforts would ultimately decorate the Heart Garden; and a fire truck brought for the occasion by the Gore Bay and Gordon/Barrie Island Volunteer Fire Department was open for touring and climbing into. Gore Bay Lions Larry Hunter, Eric Ruediger and Charmaine Jewell were on hand with free barbecued hotdogs and drinks for those needing to replenish their energy, and for those just having a relaxing day out.
Supported by merchants including Almaz Health Food Store, Buoys’ Eatery, Betty’s Convenience, Occasions Party Supplies and Rentals and Manitoulin Transport who donated the prizes of gift certificates, beach towels, books and many more, the organizing committee was led this year by Heather Patterson. Cole McLaughlin prepared the site and provided assistance.
The fun, free, healthy outdoor activity highlights the nearby community garden, where allotment plots are available annually to be planted for a small fee.
Winners of this year’s pile of prizes were: Adrienne, Vasily, Xaden, Nixon, Robertson, Riky, Luna and Veanna. Congratulations to all for a wonderful event!
