GORDON—It was certainly a beautiful sunny day for a kite festival!
“The wind came up beautifully just in time for the kites to fly and it was a wonderful joyous time for all,” said Linda Willson, of Western Manitoulin Community Garden (WMCG), which held its third annual kite festival on June 4.
“The number of kites were down a bit from previous years, but at one time there were over 50 kites in the air,” said Ms. Willson, who pointed out there were over 100 people in attendance including many families. One family had three generations flying kites, from three to 75 years old.
“The Gore Bay-Western Manitoulin Lions Club provided a free barbecue lunch for all,” said Ms. Willson. “This is a totally free family event sponsored by WMCG.”
Gaynor Orford organized a scarecrow-making event that was enjoyed by many, continued Ms. Willson. “There are now a dozen happy scarecrows in the community garden, scaring the crows and other critters out of the garden and making the garden seem alive at all times. A pop-up play area was organized by Ann Cummings and her assistants from the Early Learning Centre. A dog watering and kite repair table was set up by the Lyon’s Memorial United Church, an emergency vehicle display with the Gore Bay Fire Department, the Manitoulin Sudbury District Services Board (MSDSB) paramedic service was on hand, and the community education representative of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) was also on hand.”
There were a dozen prizes handed out during the day. The prizes were donated by Almaz Health Food Store (several t-shirts), Lance Baptiste from Huron Island Thyme at Providence Bay donated kites, Susan Garlock from Buoy’s Eatery donated a sweatshirt, and the grand prize was a gift certificate for Buoy’s. “It was so cute to hear the little girl that won it go up to her grandfather and say, ‘Hey Grampa, I can take you out for pizza,’” said Ms. Willson.
photo by Isobel Harry
Judges for the prizes included David Edwards of Gore Bay Theatre fame, Bryan Barker the Mayor of Billings and Brad Wright, councillor for Gordon/Barrie Island. The Town of Gore Bay, Roger Chenier and his crew, provided tables and garbage pails.
“We are grateful to Cole McLaughlin and family who provide the land for the community garden and mow a huge area for kite flying. His kite won the longest flying kite as he had it in the air the entire time of the event,” said Mr. Willson.
Ms. Willson added, “the kite festival is a free, fun-filled family event and it helps to draw attention to our community garden. The scarecrows are an added bonus. We are hoping to attract more young people to work at the garden or help planning special events like this that benefit the whole community Island wide.”
