Marine Heritage Festival kick off for a big weekend

July 28, 2018

Approximately 400 people attended the Marine Heritage Festival kick-off held at the Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre on Friday evening (July 27/18).

Just before the event was about to begin, a major rain storm moved in but it didn’t dampen the spirits of the volunteers and those who came out. The Museum staff took everything in stride and moved the entire event inside with the exception of the Marine Heritage BBQ. Fortunately, the rain stopped just in time and the BBQ went ahead as planned out of doors.

Museum Executive Director, Cathy McGirr (C) chats with Festival co-Chair Dave Wenn and wife, Caroline	(L) Marine Heritage in-coming President, Vicki Tomori, town council candidate Mike Myatt and wife, Jean, and Arlene Letheren	Museum Volunteer, Ralph Kralik, enjoys a BBQ
Brian French (L) and volunteers are ready to go at the BBQ	Strolling minstrel, Bob Robb of Paisley, entertained with nautical songs	Mikayla and Jenna Greig

In the meantime, the official opening was moved in to the Bruce Power Theatre with a First Nation ceremony conducted by Saugeen First Nation Elder, Shirley George.

**Dave Wenn, co-Chair of the Festival Committee, introduced Saugeen Elder, Shirley George**

The opening was then followed with music by Bobby Dean Blackburn and musicians, that featured Charlie Bell on saxophone. Throughout the Museum, there were also snacks and a cash bar.

**Bobby Dean and musicians have entertained every year at the kick-off**

It was a successful kick-off to what is expected to be a full weekend of events in Southampton, starting early on Saturday with the Rotary Pancake Breakfast at Southampton Harbour followed by the now infamous cardboard boat races, BBQ lunch, children’s gold hunt, live entertainment, beer tent and ending with the Firefighters Fish Fry.

Sunday continues the weekend festival with the ‘War on the Shore’ cycling event throughout the day and, finally, the weekend ends in Pioneer Park at Southampton Harbour with a community supper and ecumenical church service.