MANITOWANING—The Southeast Manitoulin Lions Club is promising a great time for everyone in the family as it holds its annual Summerfest celebrations July 14-16.
“The theme for this year’s Summerfest is ‘Back to the ‘80s’,” stated Lisa Hallaert, president of the Lions Club. “Noojmowin Teg is partnering with us to hold a Family Glo dance on Friday (6:30-8:30 pm in the arena atrium). This should prove to be fun for the whole family.”
“And we will be holding a parade Saturday. We are interested to see what people come up with for their entries for Back to the ‘80s. There should be lots of neon,” quipped Ms. Hallaert.
The weekend festivities will begin Friday evening with the start of the Jim Case Memorial softball tournament, starting at 5 pm. There will also be a beer garden. “We have more teams taking part this year, an extra two teams, and because of the new lighting that was installed at the ballpark last year, the games can take place later in the evening,” said Ms. Hallaert. Games will take place all day Saturday and conclude in the evening.
The family glo dance will take place Friday evening.
“We always have some type of a get together Friday night, and this year it will include a party in the pavilion with an Assiginack band, Rural Roots,” said Ms. Hallaert. “Rural Roots is a rock and roll band that has recently got back together and includes Scott Hughson, Pat O’Leary, Ian Closs and Norm Assinewai.”
Saturday’s activities will begin in the morning with a pancake breakfast being put on by the Knox United Church from 9-11 am, followed by a yard sale. The museum will be holding an open house on Saturday.
The parade will begin at 11 am, followed by inflatables and kids’ games from 12 noon to 4 pm. Vendors will be in the arena from 11 am to 4 pm. “The Old Country Band, made up of a bunch of local Island guys will be providing live music at the pavilion from noon hour to 2 pm,” said Ms. Hallaert.
A dance will take place Saturday evening with D.J. Ashley Manitowabi from 9 pm to 1 am in the arena. An age of majority will be required. Admission to the dance is $10.
The always popular smash-up derby will take place Sunday, starting at 1 pm, said Ms. Hallaert.
Ms. Hallaert noted that all proceeds raised from the Summerfest celebrations go back into the community. “Everything stays local. Summerfest is our main fundraiser for the year, is great for the community and allows us to give back to the community during the year.”
