MANITOULIN—New Year’s celebrations offer Islanders a chance to dress up in their finest, throw on a little ‘bling’ and dance, or skate, the night away, ushering in another year on Manitoulin Island.
As usual, Manitoulin has plenty of events on offer, for family and adults alike.
For family fun, Wikwemikong will be hosting its annual New Year’s Eve community powwow titled ‘Spirit Dancers’ from 8 pm to midnight at the Wikwemikong High School gymnasium. There is a special invitation to mothers-to-be and young mothers. As is tradition, each of the satellite communities is responsible for bringing a specialized dish to the event: Buzwah, salads; Kaboni, desserts; South Bay, potatoes; Rabbit Island, meats; and Murray Hill, vegetables, but all are welcome, band member or not, to attend this event.
In Little Current, the Northeast Town is hosting a New Year’s Eve family party with the theme ‘Celebrating the ‘70s and ‘80s’ from 5 to 8 pm at the rec centre. The fun-filled evening will include skating, games and activities. The cost is $5 per person and includes an order of French fries, beverage and candy bar. There will be prizes for the best costumes!
Also in Little Current, the Manitoulin Hotel and Conference Centre will be ringing in the New Year in style, with a five-course buffet dinner, dance and midnight champagne buffet to mark the occasion. Tickets for this event are $65 or $250 for the couple’s package, which includes a night’s stay in a traditional room at the new hotel. For tickets, contact events coordinator Crystal Madahbee at 705-368-9966.
In Assiginack, the Rainbow Ridge Golf Course is hosting a New Year’s Eve pajama party with music by DJ Scratchley Q. Tickets are $25 in advance. For more information, or to purchase a ticket, contact Rainbow Ridge at 705-859-2990.
Over in Providence Bay, the Providence Bay/Spring Bay Lions Club is having a dance from 8 pm to 2 am at the community hall with music by Island Music Showcase. The event will also include a silent auction, door prizes and a midnight luncheon. Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door and can be purchased at Buie’s Store in Spring Bay or by calling Leanne McGill at 705-377-6134 or Matt Young at 705-377-7149.
The Tehkummah Triangle Club is again hosting its New Year’s Eve event at the seniors’ hall with a potluck dinner at 5 pm followed by music and dancing. Those wishing to attend are encouraged to bring their favourite dish and CD to dance the New Year in. Silver collection is welcomed.
On New Year’s Day the M’Chigeeng First Nation is ringing in the New Year with a hand drum social at the M’Chigeeng Community Complex from 1 to 4 pm. Vendors are invited and encouraged to attend this event, with no cost for a table. The event will also include storytelling, hand drum specials and a feast and will feature special guests the High Eagle hand drum group. Dinner will be served from 4 to 5 pm. For more information, or to reserve a table, please contact Terry Debassige at 705-377-5849.
Happy New Year!
