by Sharon Jackson
KAGAWONG—Vintage cars, root beer floats and ‘50s music sent festivalgoers back in time for the weekend as Kagawong celebrated summer in style. It was a perfect day with warm temperatures and smiling faces all around.
Members of the Recreation Committee along with the fire department, Museum Board, Farmers’ Market, Anglican Church, and 4elements Living Arts came together to welcome people from near and far to Ontario’s prettiest village.
A warm welcome was offered by volunteers of the fire department as they passed a ‘boot’ to raise funds as vehicles made their way down the hill into the lower village to take in the festivities.
Kids rodeo games including a hula hoop contest, ring toss, toy boat races and minnow races kept the little ones entertained while their parents and grandparents checked out the special market at the Pavilion on Old Mill Road. 4elements Living Arts hosted a clay craft project which attracted dozens of children as they molded the putty into worms, crayfish and other creatures.
Art Walk participants Jenna Carter and partner Steph Desjardins were on hand with original artwork and leather goods at the annual Art Walk.
Treats like cotton candy, root beer floats, banana splits and ice cream sundaes topped with gummy worms, M&Ms and jelly beans served at the Soda Shoppe on Henry Drive hit the spot for kids and parents alike after enjoying a juicy burger served hot off the barbeque by the Museum Board volunteers.
Over 20 vehicle owners participated in the annual Show and Shine. Everything from Buicks to Mustangs were lined up side by side along Old Mill Road. Members of the volunteer fire department were just across the street where kids were encouraged to don bunker gear, take home fire hats and other goodies and even sit inside the cab of the firetruck and sound the siren.
One hundred golf balls were sold for Running of the Balls with the winner named Eyelyn Tucker. A ‘50s- and ‘60s-themed scavenger hunt saw teams make their way throughout the village searching for LPs containing a numerical code along with the question and answers. This was done so the participants had to seek the answers and not rely on their smart phones or other sources. Local history questions were also on the list.
Farquhar.
To wind up the evening, ‘50s and ‘60s rock and roll tribute band The Flathead Ford played to an enthusiastic crowd who danced the night away on the government dock. Band members Scott ‘The Hot Rod Kid’ Kennedy, Roger ‘Sticks’ Nenonen and Bill ‘The Big Bopper’ Webb were a hit and it is hoped they will return for an encore performance next year.
The annual Blessing of the Boats marine service was held at St John’s Anglican Church on Sunday morning. In keeping with the ‘50s and ‘60s theme of Summer Fest, the Order of Service for passengers of the Norgoma was replicated. Dianne Fraser, Mary Buie and Rick Nelson led the congregation in the extra special service.
