One big party
Annual Montague Summer Days gets underway today
For those in search of a festive atmosphere this weekend, look no further than the town of Montague.
The annual Montague Summer Days kicks off today and wraps up Sunday night with the fireworks show.
“We want people to know that Montague the Beautiful is the place to be,’’ said Coun. Wayne Spin, chairman of Montague Summer Days.
“That’s the way I look at it. We’ve got some top-notch entertainment.’’
There will be music galore on the waterfront, beginning with the Mike Bochoff Band today at 5:30 p.m., followed by Dylan Menzie at 7 p.m. and Royal North at 8:30 p.m.
The Paul and David McGuigan Memorial Poker Tournament takes place at the Cavendish Farms Wellness Centre at 7 p.m. today.
Also on tap today is the Montague’s Got Talent Show at 7 p.m. at the curling club. The final five finalists will perform on Saturday at 4 p.m. at the waterfront.
There will be a bouncy kingdom for children at the waterfront on Saturday and Sunday from noon to 8 p.m.
There will also be pony rides. Pay $5 and ride as many times as you want.
And what would any community celebration be without pancakes?
The wellness centre will offer a pancake breakfast, 8-10 a.m., on Saturday.
The big parade begins at 11 a.m. on Saturday. The theme is Blast from the Past.
“I want to get the mayor dressed up as Christopher Lloyd from Back to the Future,’’ Spin jokes.
The parade marshal this year is Eric Weatherbie.
Following the parade is a free barbecue at the waterfront at noon. Entertainment will be provided by Peggy Clinton and Johnny Ross.
“We want people to know that Montague the Beautiful is the place to be. That’s the way I look at it. We’ve got some topnotch entertainment.’’ Coun. Wayne Spin
At 12:45 p.m. the town will be revealing 14 new pieces of centennial art on the trail all around the town.
Teresa Doyle and Patrick Bunston will perform at 2 p.m., followed by Cameron McMaster and Friends at 3 p.m.
The Montague Raft Race is another big part of the celebration. Raft building is 3-5 p.m. with each team getting the same supplies. The actual race begins at 6 p.m.
Continuing on with the entertainment at the waterfront on Saturday, Melissa Hunt performs at 4:30 p.m., followed by Ragglin Road Band from New Brunswick at 6:15 p.m. The Stanfields hit the main stage at 8:45 p.m.
The after party will be held at the Tailgate Bar and Grill in Main Street from 10:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Meanwhile, just up the street, Red Rock Wrestling is putting on a card at the wellness centre at 7 p.m.
On Sunday, DiverseCity takes place 2-10 p.m.
Lennie Gallant performs at the waterfront at 8:30 p.m. before the fireworks begin at 10 p.m. Called Fire in the Sky, the show is being put on by Sheldon Handrahan.
“Everyone should come because they’re going to see the best light show that ever hit Montague,’’ Spin said.