by Sharon Jackson
KAGAWONG—A full day of great food, music and family fun is guaranteed on Saturday, July 18.
Start off the day with breakfast complete with a stack of pancakes smothered in real maple syrup and wind it down with family movie night at the Library. The United Church men will have the griddle on from 8 to 10 am.
Summer Fest is a community effort hosted by members of the Billings Recreation Committee and the countless community volunteers who join forces for the day.
Some events take place at the Park Centre where others are held along Henry Drive which will be closed off to vehicular traffic for the day. The beach and River Bend Stage will also be host to not to be missed special events.
New to the Summer Fest program this year is recognition of the 400th anniversary of the Francophone presence in Ontario. With so many Francophones in the community, members of the Rec Committee felt Summer Fest was a fitting opportunity to celebrate food, music and culture.
Ten person voyageur canoes will enter Mudge Bay at 10 am to kick off the day’s long list of activities. Festival goers can take in a demonstration of paddling techniques used by fur traders hundreds of years ago. Rides are available for a fee of $5.
As the canoe is entering the bay, musician Marcel Beneteau will sing ‘Les Chansons des Voyageurs’ as they paddle in. Mr Beneteau will be on hand later in the afternoon at River Bend Stage (entrance by White Pine Walk) at 2 pm with more chansons.
Car owners are invited to wax up their vehicles and take part in the Show and Shine from 10 am to 2 pm. Reserved parking is on the grass on Old Mill Road.
The Second Annual Musical Chairs Dance Off in Kagawong is not to be missed. Make your way to the tennis court at 1 pm. Watch for Bella the Clown.
Grab a friend and join the Amazing Scavenger Hunt. Pick up your list at the tennis court anytime between 10 and 2 pm where members of the Recreation Committee will have an information table set up including a schedule of events for the day, iced coffee, cotton candy, lemonade and new to Summer Fest: beaver ‘Kagwong’ tails.
Billings volunteer firefighters and the OPP Marine Unit will be on site on Old Mill Drive to provide boating and fire safety tips. Keep an eye out for the boot drive at the entrance to the Fire Hall on your way into town.
Returning for a third year is the Art Walk where artists of all genres are invited to showcase their talent. There is no cost to set up a table along Henry Drive from 10 am to 2 pm. Everyone is welcome. Please bring your own table and shade.
Kids can enjoy games at the beach from 10 am and then Flush a Friend at 11 am, also at the beach.
Members of Manitoulin Streams have undertaken a river rehabilitation project recently and will be available for tours throughout the day.
Burgers and hot dogs will be barbecued by members of the Museum Board beginning at 11 am at the pavilion which is also home to a Special Market. For more info contact Karen Free or Ethel Newburn who are the organizers of the weekly Wednesday Market which runs from 10 am to 3 pm during the months of July and August.
Singer/musician Rick Bobbette can be heard at the Pavilion beginning at 11 am. He will be back again during the annual Community Pot Luck in August.
Not to be missed is the Silent Auction at the Park Centre where the United Church ladies will be taking bids from 8:30 am until 1:30 pm.
Friends of the Billings Library will be raising funds to purchase books by selling balls for Running of the Balls throughout the day. Balls are $2 each. Watch for them at the Park Centre from 8 to 11 am and then at the Pavilion until 2 pm.
What better way to wrap up a full day of activities than with more music? River Bend Stage will be available for anyone who wants to take to the ‘open mic’ after 4 pm. Families can enjoy Movie Night at the Library at 7 pm. For details visit Billings Public Library on Facebook.
Blessing of the Boats Marine Service will be held at St John’s the Evangelist Anglican Church on Sunday morning at 9 am.
There truly is something for everyone during Summer Fest in Kagawong. For more details visit www.facebook.com/kagawong1 and watch next week’s Expositor and Recorder for a full schedule of events.
