Once upon a time there was a town called Providence Bay that hosted its 132nd Agricultural Fair. It began with a very elaborate parade of floats about many stories featuring fun and creative tales. The parade was fantastic and everyone who entered did a great job entertaining the crowds.
There were many events and activities at the Fair ensuring that there was something for everyone’s tastes. All of the hard work and dedication to crafts, sewing, quilting, woodworking and gardening paid off for some at the exhibit hall. There is amazing talent in our little neck of the woods. There was the light horse show, the single horse pull and the draft horse pull. The fair ambassador this year is Mackenzie Gilmore from Evansville. Congratulations.
The midway, petting zoo and pony rides ran throughout the weekend. There were numerous vendors selling clothing, woodworking, toys, signs, horse tack, and just about anything else you could want. Many food vendors were also on site to ensure no one went hungry.
Providence Bay people were treated to a pancake breakfast at the United Church was very busy and kept the workers hopping. The square dancing and Manitoulin Idol rounded out Saturday’s events. The motocross began Sunday morning. There were turtle races, cow patty BINGO (sold out by 3 pm Saturday, seems to be popular), the musical family show played again along with musical entertainment and the quilt raffle. Congratulations to the fair committee and organizers who did a great job. A lot of planning and preparation is required for a successful fair and we sure appreciate all the time, thought, energy and caring that is given every year by each committee member.
Salmon fishing has moved into the bay. A sure sign that summer is soon going to transition to fall. As well as when the winds start to come from the west bringing us great waves for kite surfers and wind surfers to enjoy this renewable energy to power their sports in Providence Bay.
Correction to last week’s report of the new harbormaster, the position is being held by Meagan Smith.
This weekend there was a special group from Sudbury visiting who enjoyed their stand up paddleboards in Providence Bay. And many visitors were able to enjoy the perseid meteor shower from the boardwalk and beach over the past week!
The Last Sunset Concert Series is this Thursday, August 27 at 8 pm at Huron Island Time. Make sure to join us for some fun tunes featuring the Kagawong Folk Roots Collective with our friends from Kagawong who will be playing in Providence Bay.
Mark your calendar for this Saturday, August 29, for the Providence Bay/Spring Bay Lions Club Rib and Corn Fest. Tickets are currently on sale at Buie’s Convenience Store in Spring Bay or at the Providence Bay Post Office. Hurry and get your tickets. You don’t want to miss out on this delicious event.
Check out the various displays at the Discovery Centre if you haven’t already. You’d be surprised how much you can learn. The Craft Day featured plaster of paris and sand to make little sandy hand creations, they had 15 participants who got to take home a very special craft.
If you have friends or family visiting for the end of this summer and fall you may want to think about the Manitoulin Island carpool and rideshare group on Facebook. This is a great way for you to post that you need a ride TO the Island or are offering a ride off-Island. A great way to help someone out if they don’t have a car to get here, as public transportation to the Island is limited. There are already 162 members on the Island. https://www.facebook.com/groups/ManitoulinIslandcarpool/
