Stokes Bay Summerfest 2006
Submitted by Stokes Bay Community Centre

Well, another Summerfest has come and gone and the rain gods smiled on us again. This year it was on July 29th with a slightly more relaxed start as we didn’t get the festivities going until 11:00 a.m. with the Bike Parade from the Community Centre to the General Store. Someone with the Fire Department misinformed Constable Adam Belanger of the O.P.P. that it was a bike race, so when he led off the procession with siren wailing, it left those walking way behind.

Once everyone got to the General Store, the coarse was set up for the 4th Annual Soap Box Derby and with 10 Soap Box Racers in all, the number was up again from last year – keep them coming. This year we had a true ‘Soap Box’ proudly displaying the ‘Tide with Bleach’ logo named “Georgia”. This is the same soap box that had won as crowd favourite at the previous night’s “Kruze Night”, which is held every Friday night at the Stokes Bay General Store from end of June to early Sptember. More on this in the next issue. There was only one incident this year in the ‘dual of the cousins’ when Elijah Marcella and his cousin Georgia McLay locked wheels in a semi-final heat and headed for the shoulder of the road before they reached the finished line which led to a re-run which was eventually taken by Elijah – no injuries occurred. In the end, the winners were in the Juniors Class John & Brandy Nuis in #88 with Elijah & Micah Marcella taking Second Place in #3 and #19 being handled by Noah McLay & John Liverance coming in Third. In the Senior Class, Nathane Henderson and Kim Liverance were the winners with Second Place going to Michael and Annie Kirkland.

On the way back to the Community Centre for the rest of the day’s activities, I had cause to take a look at the mighty Stokes River (there was no sound of gurgling water). The mighty river had been reduces to a mere trickle by the lack of rain in the area.

Back at the Community Centre it was time for a lunch of hamburgers, sausage or Ol’ Smokies on a Bun bar-b-qued by the hands of Cary Alexander with all the trimmings and accompanied with French Fries cooked by the skilled Mary Dale Hewton with the help of many others doing the necessary behind-the-scenes duties. That was just before Bob Zavitz said, “I’ve just done something very stupid” as he was trying to pry apart some frozen hamburgers (with a sharp knife). On closer examination it was obvious that the slight nick that Bob had given himself was not-so-slight and it was off to the hospital. On the way to the hospital, Bob seemed to imply that he was more afraid for his life than he was of bleeding to death (I wonder why, I was only slightly over the speed limit). Safely at the hospital, the incomparable Dr. Dave Thompson was on call and told Bob that he had two options, Dr. Dave could either finish what Bob started or he could stitch him back together, and Bob wisely choose the latter. With no tendon damage, Bob was back to work in the kitchen within two hours with strict orders to stay away from sharp knives.

The do-it-yourself Tie-Dye T-shirts was a very popular activity hosted by the Cousins’ family with over 40 interesting creations being made. Much thanks must go to the Cousins’ family for doing this and thanks to the General Store for the dye. This was followed by a Nickel Dig sponsored by the Stokes Bay General Store and Liverance Lumber to which someone added a Loonie and a Toonie. Rachel McLay found the Loonie and Cara Woof found the Toonie. Other activities included a water balloon fight, a scavenger hunt in which Hailey Firth and Brigette Boyle were the first back and dodge ball, which was short lived as things started to get a little rough. There was also some soap solution for blowing bubbles for the younger ones (inside the fence).

At 3:00 p.m. it was suspense time as it was time for the Penny Table and Specialty Draws. The first prize winner in the Specialty draw was Jennifer Townson of Pike Bay who won a Wooden Lawn Chair and Foot Stool donated by School House Creations of Miller Lake. The second prize of a Log Cabin Bird Feeder donated by Harold Harmer of Lion’s Head went to our own Norma Stewart. There was also a Surprise Draw of a very large Wooden Cribbage Board donated by Larry Rae of Stokes Bay Camp and won by Rick Blake.

Afternoon musical entertainment in the pavilion was provided by local and visiting musicians for which we are truly thankful and which carried on during dinner, speaking of which, it was another Bob Zavitz and Crew spectacular of Fish & Chicken Fingers accompanied with Baked Potato, Macaroni and Tuna Salad, Coleslaw, a Tossed Salad, and home made desserts by the members of the Community Centre.

The evening was topped off with dance music in the pavilion for the adults provided by The Kebobs and in the Community Centre there was Kareoke for the younger set.

The Stokes Bay Community Centre would like to thank every who helped throughout the day, all the generous businesses and people who donated various prizes, music and entertainment, and most importantly, THEIR TIME.