Bay Days festivities kick off Friday
Three-day event brings variety of events to Glace Bay
Bay Days kicks off Friday and organizers expect it to be better than ever.
“Our event is focused for kids of all ages,” said festival chair Brian Shaw. “People book their vacations around this so we are looking forward to seeing some old and some new friends.”
A call for volunteers was successful, said Shaw, adding people have stepped forward to sell tickets for the duck race and volunteer for the various events.
“A lot of young people came forward,” he said. “It was nice to see people even from the university coming forward and wanting to be involved.”
The festivities begin Friday with the Cape Breton Miners’ Museum and Bay Days minecraft scavenger hunt at the museum from 1-3 p.m.
“That has been a huge hit the last few years,” Shaw said.
“There’s a barbecue and lots of prizes.”
To register call the museum at 902-849-4522.
The lineup for the Bay Days parade will be at Sobeys parking lot at 4 p.m. with the parade beginning at 5:30 p.m.
The parade will end at the South Street Ball Field where ball games will be played and there will be free hotdogs and pop.
On Saturday, the annual show n’ shine sponsored by Wilson’s Collision will be held at the Convergys parking lot. Registration is at 11 a.m. and the show runs until 2 p.m.
Shaw said anyone with anything from a car to a motorcycle can take part. Participants do not have to belong to a club.
“It’s been growing each year,” Shaw said.
The Glace Bay Volunteer Fire Department will be on hand demonstrating the Jaws of Life and a vendors day will be held at the same location.
Another popular event Saturday is the free Royal Tea Party at the Park Street side of Renwick Brook from 12-2 p.m. To register telephone Charlotte at 902-8494417.
The annual duck race will follow at Renwick Brook at 3 p.m.
“This is the fourth year with Meco Construction sponsoring it. It’s one of our largest fundraisers of the year. Every dollar raised goes into Bay Days events,” said Shaw.
On Sunday, the annual Carnival Day will be held at Queen Elizabeth Park from 12-3 p.m.
“That’s where we bring in some of the newest and largest inflatables in Atlantic Canada,” Shaw said.
There will be rides, games with prizes, popcorn and cotton candy. There’s no admission and everything is free.
That’s one of our biggest events, it’s close to a $10,000 day.”
The parade of sail will wrap up festivities Sunday evening followed by fireworks.
“This year the fireworks are going to be one of the largest we ever had.”
There will be barbecue and entertainment on the Water Street side of the harbour.
Brochures detailing all the events can be picked up at any of the local businesses or at the Bay Days office on Commercial Street.