Photo: Sharon Gardiner
Umbrellas were open on Bay Day 2018 but a few drops of rain did not stop the fun in Barry’s Bay. The traditional activities continued even during the rain and this year the festivities were marked by several firsts.
New CAO Sue Klatt visits Farmers’ Market vendor Patricia McLee. Klatt takes on her role later this month but dodged the drops to meet folks along the Opeongo Line.
As on previous Bay Days, proud exhibitors displayed vintage vehicles at the annual Classic Car show and Fran’s Band performed. Downtown Barry’s Bay merchants lined the sidewalks with special offers, draws and discounts, taking cover under eaves or indoors as the rain advanced. Many community groups were on hand raising funds. Two lake associations held membership drives and the Fire Department provided education and fun giveaways for the kiddies.
From left: Fran’s Band (photo: Sharon Gardiner), Carson Trout Lepine & Greenan Lakes Association, David Shulist aka Johnny Kashub, KAPOA
The day marked the first Farmers’ Market of the season but market vendors were unfazed by the weather. They always operate on a “rain or shine” basis and will be at the Railway Station as usual from next Friday until the fall.
From left: Miss Madawaska Valley runners-up Julie Gutz and Hayley Coulas, Firefighters Earl Dombroskie, David Afelskie, Shawn Dombroskie, Corwyn Quade, Richard Levair shows his ’67 Chrysler 300, Farmers’ Market vendor Brenda Lodge
Some notable firsts at this year’s Bay Day
Lunchtime passersby were taken unawares by a flash mob organized by Chelsea Clarke of Madawaska Valley Dance Studio. Dancers of all ages smiled through the showers.
Click HERE to see a handheld video of the flash mob.
During the afternoon the Barry’s Bay BIA sponsored a FREE Heritage Walk led by Ken Ramsden, Mark Woermke and Joanne Olsen. After gathering on the Opeongo Line, the Tour travelled to the Railway Station and around Railway Station Park, following the route of Woermke’s play about local railroading history Meet Me At the Station. An avid local historian who has published work about Valley heritage, Woermke has railroading in his blood. His parents met at the Barry’s Bay Railway Station and his father, Roy Woermke, chaired the Barry’s Bay Railway Station Restoration Committee.
Heritage Walk (from left) Mark Woermke in Station Park, at the Caboose with Joanne Olsen (L) and Ken Ramsden (R)
