WESTERN MANITOULIN—The Town of Gore Bay and just municipalities west on Manitoulin Island took part in Canada Day activities this past Friday. Despite the at times rainy weather, communities hosted many events that entertained all members of the family.
In Gore Bay, despite the rain, there was a tremendous turnout of vendors and customers for the farmers’ market held at the waterfront. Among the visitors was an appearance by a group of pirates, namely Shannon McMullan and her grandsons Connor and Ronan McCourt with their parents Meghann Darroch and Michael McCourt (aka Spiderman).
The Gore Bay activities were organized by the town’s recreation committee.
A barbecue was hosted by the Masonic Lodge, with music being played throughout the day by Greg Wilkins.
A very large crowd gathered for the always popular parade through downtown Gore Bay. The Mary-Lea Buchan “the Flower Lady for the Town” entry was judged as best float in the parade. But there were a lot more entries, including the Gore Bay Fire Department truck, members of the fire department flag bearers, Gore Bay Kids decorated bikes, Bank of Montreal, Masonic Lodge #472, Sudbury Shriners Club, Haweater Unit of the Shriners, Manitoulin Lodge Nursing Home, Town of Gore Bay Recreation committee and a 1973 Dodge Dart Swinger driven by Wendell Clarke in the parade, a 1957 Chevy Belair from McQuarrie Motors, and the Angel Bus on hand.
There were all kinds of kids games put on, hosted by the Gore Bay Child Care Centre and Legion, the latter hosting the bar tent during the day. In the evening the band Double Barrel provided music.
The Gore Bay volunteer fire department put on a spectacular fireworks display, with a very large crowd in attendance.
The annual Ice Lake picnic was once again a huge success with a large crowd on hand to take in the day’s events at the Ice Lake picnic grounds.
One of the many popular events was the bazaar/auction with Bill Baker taking on the role of auctioneer. As well, a beautiful handmade train set, made by Austin Pickard, was won by Dan Pickard.
There was a fish pond for the kids, a horseshoe tournament and all kinds of games for the kids, and adults, to enjoy. There was also plenty of food to be eaten, with a hearty potluck lunch and supper held.
At Julia Beach, Gordon-Barrie Island held its Canada Day celebrations
The afternoon events featured the music of Paul Best, followed by the always popular cardboard boat race. The squeals of laughter and excitement from children who participated, just proved how much fun this event was. There was a three-team final race, with the team of Effie and Chesley Godwin taking first place.
A sand castle contest was held with Robert Godwin and his children Effie and Chesley taking first place.
Along with the activities there was tons of food for everyone to enjoy as a barbecue was held. The day’s events were organized by Gordon/Barrie Island Councillor Perry Patterson.
On Friday evening the Burpee Mills recreation committee held a pot luck dinner and dance.
After a phenomenal pot luck dinner, Councillor Art Hayden welcomed everyone to the Canada Day celebrations.
The evening also provided the opportunity for a new band, LAL, to debut. The band includes Larissa Chevrette, Lily Hore and Abbie Smith.
Rick and Margaret Piche along with LAL led everyone in the singing of our national anthem.
“We are so glad to see everyone enjoying yourself this evening,” said Councillor Pentti Palonen. “It’s Canada Day-lets celebrate it.”
For the rest of the evening music and dancing was on the agenda, with the music being provided by Family Tradition.
