before 12there The annual Maritime Heritage Festival has officially opened and some organizers are already planning next year.
This ad hasn’t been uploaded yet, but your article continues below.
“Maybe we will have more fun and more cardboard racing challenges next year,” said Captain Wayne Kaufman, the official face of the festival along with First Mate Deb.
As they prepared for the festival’s opening night on the grounds of the Bruce County Museum and Cultural Center on July 21, Captain Wayne said interest continued to grow for the free family festival and crowds were overwhelmed at the largest opening ever, which last year was about 300 people.
Captain Wayne said the volunteers at the Naval Heritage Society/Propeller Club — a small army of about 100 supported by a 12-member board of directors — have a common goal in volunteering their time and talents at the event: “We’re doing this for the benefit of our community.
This ad hasn’t been uploaded yet, but your article continues below.
Shirley John of Saugeen First Nation, also known as Strong White Buffalo Woman, gave the blessing during the opening ceremony.
With a candle representing fire, water representing life, and seven strawberries representing the teachings of the Seven Ancestors, Jean turned to the four corners of the compass and thanked her.
Greeted from the city, Saugeen Shores Mayor Luke Charbonneau led the crowd in a round of applause and a “big thank you” to the Maritime Heritage Society and all the volunteers who worked tirelessly to make the event a success.
He noted that the volunteers/organizers deserve a hug because they “preserve our maritime heritage, (they) celebrate our maritime heritage, they make our maritime heritage and they are at the heart of this community…” Charbonneau said.
This ad hasn’t been uploaded yet, but your article continues below.
Friday’s festivities also included cornbread/barbecue – hosted and served by the Rotary Cub of Saugeen Shores – a summer jazz concert in the Museum’s theatre, live entertainment with original songs by Chantry Shanti and Festival DJ Jon Stewart, and a ghost tour around Fairy Lake, led by Bruce County Playhouse volunteers.
Desiccated after Saturday’s cardboard regatta, Captain Wayne said next year he hopes to expand the Sunday fun with more free family fun.
Sunday’s action included a potato/poutine-packed stand on the beach run by members of the Saugeen Shores Winterhawks.
When the Falcons weren’t in the fryer, excited kids – mostly Saugeen Shores Storm players – took them on for some Fast and Furious road hockey.
With people sitting in the Bruce Power entertainment tent facing the beach and on loungers on the beach, The Sofa Kings entertained huge crowds on Sunday afternoons. Three Sheets Brewing also kept the hot crowd well hydrated with a beachfront kiosk.
While some teammates cooked and served fries and fries, Saugeen Shores Winterhawk Trevor Smith dropped a road hockey ball at Finlay McNaughton (left) and Cole Tuttle on July 23 during the Fun Maritime Heritage Festival at Southampton Waterfront.
