Before we completely forget that there is more to life than snow I have to tell you about Bayfest in Port Rowan. It's a great small town event, which doesn't try to hide its' small-towness. The parade on Sunday was a cacophony of air horns, sirens, vintage car horns, which began to bring on a headache for me. There was a fully loaded timber truck, one brass band, an Admiral on very tall stilts with a pet shark, (when a dog barked at him he brought up the shark and said, "See you in the water, bud."). A team of horses pulled a hay wagon upon which sat the local councillor. Towed behind that was a tiny wagon containing the mayor. Not sure of the significance of that.
Shriners did their full parade routine, little cars, Jeepsters, pointy-toed boots and exotic instruments. There were plenty of muscle cars, a barnyard full of tractors, OPP vehicles, including a tiny cruiser driven by a little girl in uniform, an ancient truck cab which Canadian Pickers would probably get weak-kneed over.
Down by the Bay I played a set sandwiched smoothly in between two sets by the Bay Buoys. You couldn't get a better scene to be part of. From the stage you can see the row of old boathouses across the channel. At the end by the water was a little carnival for the kiddies, including a small Ferris wheel. And of course, beyond that is the million dollar view of the Inner Bay nestled in the protective arm of Long Point. A couple of bleachers sat right in front of the stage and people would come and go during the shows, as they ate their chips and treats.
Right beside was an area devoted to boat building. Small plywood boats, built within a time limit, were then raced across the channel to the cheers of the crowd.
A sunny day but not hot it was perfect all around. A big thrill for me was singing songs I'd written about the Port Rowan/ Long Point/ South Walsingham history. One was Seine Net Song which named a bunch of people with unusual names, (and local fish), who lived and worked at various times in the fishing industry. Or at least lived in the area. The other, which really made me feel good was Lullaby of Inner Bay. There I was, right on Inner Bay, singing, "...the moon is full on Inner Bay." Gotta be a high point.
Ron and Rob Dreidger, of the Bay Buoys, also sang songs inspired by growing up around the Point. Their personal history is much deeper in the area than mine. They have, 'memories to spare.' It was great fun sharing the stage with them. They have a good sound, easy to listen to and enjoy. The band is also propelled by Bob Richardson on bass and Chris Hagen on blues harp.
Next year? Maybe I'll see you there.
