KAGAWONG—The Manitoulin Streams Outdoor Angling Trade Fair will have a lot for every member of the family to take part in and enjoy.
Liam Campbell of Manitoulin Streams Improvement Association (MSIA) told The Expositor, “We have a number of local businesses starting to sign up for the Outdoor Angling Trade Fair, which is set to take place on the May long weekend, May 18-19, at the Park Centre in Kagawong. We’re going to have several different competitions that are open for anyone to take part in. There will be a flyfishing casting for distance, a casting accuracy anchor toss, a kids’ fishing derby for kids 17 years of age and under with two different age groups, 14-17 and 13 and under. And we are also trying to get a dunk tank set up for the weekend.”
The kids’ fishing derby will coincide with the official opening of the walleye season, so the derby will specifically focus on walleye fishing, Mr. Campbell told The Expositor.
“We have some guest speakers confirmed for the fair including Neil Debassige of Fuel the Fire Television and Moe Gauthier, owner of Screamin’ Reels Sportfishing Charters.”
There will be live music on hand featuring Aiyana Louis of M’Chigeeng First Nation along with more local talent expected to perform over the weekend as well.
“There will also be an educational component to the weekend (with MSIA) providing educational guided stream tours,” continued Mr. Campbell. “Noojmowin Teg will be holding a wildlife cleaning trailer, with several types of fish and possibly a bear to clean as well.”
“Right now, we have around 20 local businesses who are interested in having tables set up for the weekend,” said Mr. Campbell. The organizers are looking for Island businesses selling their wares like outdoor and angling related products, boats, ATVs, kayaks and other outdoor vehicles, artisan products made from natural resources and organizations in the outdoor sector. “Right now, we have 10 businesses registered but we expect to have many more sign up.” He pointed out space is available to have about 40 businesses on hand. We know for instance Berry Boats will be on hand as well as Allen’s Automotive, We Have the Wood and Vertex Baits. We will also have Deborah Ireland, an animal artist, on hand.”
“We haven’t heard officially, but there will be a Science North booth as well,” said Mr. Campbell.
There will also be both live and silent auctions taking place, raffle tables and a 50/50 draw.
“We are trying to provide enough things to see and do that people are going to spend the entire weekend in Kagawong,” said Mr. Campbell. He also noted there will be a passport program in place where kids will get a sheet and grid indicating where businesses are located in the community as well as getting the sheet stamped at every business kids and their family explore in Kagawong.
“The whole idea of the fair is to promote local businesses, Manitoulin Streams restoration and projects and increase visitors to the township and Kagawong on the May long weekend. Our idea is that if this fair is successful to have a roaming trade fair show in another Island community every year or every second year.”
More vendors are being sought for the event, with prices for a booth being as low as $35. “We are also looking for more business event sponsors and volunteers to help run the event,” said Mr. Campbell. The Billings recreation committee and climate action committee are providing a few volunteers to help out and the Manitoulin Secondary School robotics team has committed to help out as well.
Mr. Campbell said one thing the event doesn’t have yet is food vendors. “We are definitely looking at having food vendors; we have space for as many as five for the weekend.”
For more information on the attractions, events and admission prices for the event, contact Manitoulin Streams at email Anglingtf.Manitoulin@gmail.com, online at manitoulinstreams.com and by phone (613) 857-9877.
