Fair day ahead
Port Morien looking forward to annual event
Over the years in Port Morien, the seasons had been defined by annual activities in the community.
Lobster season is a rite of spring, and the end of cod fishing meant that winter was not far off.
When Gowrie School was open, grading day meant the beginning of what seemed to be an endless summer.
We always knew that the lazy days of summer were transitioning into autumn when the community fair was held every September in the village.
The Port Morien Community Fair has been an annual community event every year since 1946. Local residents have proudly offered their flowers, vegetables, baking, fancywork, and handcrafts for display. Many enjoy the friendly competition with friends and neighbours and the bragging rights that go with first prize.
Two years ago, the decision was made by the fair committee that the 2016 fair would be their last. Committee members had faithfully served for years, some for decades, and they decided that they had enough.
For a while, it did look like the 60th anniversary of the fair was the final one, but a core group of younger residents, led by Katherine MacDonald, took on the task. With beautiful weather on their side, and some tweaking of the events of the day, the fair was a resounding success. The new committee was eager to take on the task of planning the 2018 edition.
This year the fair is on September 15 and with feedback from those attending the fair and some fresh new ideas, the committee hopes to build on its success. Dave LeBlanc, owner of the Happy Days food truck was very pleased with the steady lineup at his window the whole day. He’ll be back as well as the individual vendors who were set up in the parking lot.
Many traditional activities will return. There will be the annual parade, led by the Glace Bay High School band. The committee is hoping that more floats will be entered by groups or individuals. Last year there was a successful children’s parade (the former doll carriage and bicycle parade) on Breakwater Street, close to St. John’s Church. The committee is encouraging parents with younger children to participate and make it bigger and better this year. Participants are asked to pre-register.
The fair dance was revived last year and was a success. It will return in 2018 with free admission. St. Paul’s will be sponsoring a ham and scallop supper starting at 11 a.m.
There will be some changes this year with exhibits. The committee has decided to revamp the exhibit booklet. It is hoped that this will encourage more people to enter exhibits, and to enter more often. For example, there are categories for “Holiday” as well as “Miscellaneous.”
Children are encouraged to participate in the under 16 category. Booklets can be picked up at the Port Morien Post Office or are available on the Morien Fair Facebook page.
The committee is asking that exhibits be brought to the legion before 4:30 and 7 p.m. on Friday. Exhibits are open to the public at 11 a.m. Saturday.
Mira Ferry, Christmas Island and Port Morien are the only three community fairs still operating in Cape Breton County. With a new and younger committee in charge, and participation from the wider community, it appears that the community fair will continue to usher in autumn in Port Morien for many years to come. Volunteers are always welcome and encouraged to participate. Contact Katherine at 317-4133 or by message on the Morien Fair Facebook page.
Out and About: In conjunction with the Celtic Colours concert at the legion on October 9, the Port Morien Wildlife Association will be sponsoring a salt cod fish supper at the Fire Hall. There will be two sittings as well as takeout. The first sitting will be from 3 until 4:30, the second, for those attending the concert from 5 until 6:30. The cost is $15, and tickets can be purchased by phoning 7371271, 577-6117, 276-3018, or 737-5131.
Ken MacDonald is a retired school teacher and administrator and a community volunteer. His family can be traced back seven generations in Port Morien, where he has lived almost all his life. He can be reached at morienbay@gmail.com.