‘Gathering’ together
About 15,600 people tune into P.E.I.'s Stay-At-Home Online Gala
Kevin (Boomer) Gallant wasn't the only local celebrity paying a visit to Islanders during the weekend.
A number of P.E.I.-famous musicians, athletes, chefs and comedians took part in Friday's Stay-At-Home Online Gala, organized by the Community Foundation of P.E.I. (CFPEI).
The intent was to give Islanders a chance to enjoy some entertainment together amidst the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic while respecting social-distancing measures. Viewers were encouraged to order takeout meals from local restaurants, while the show acted as a fundraiser with all donations going toward CFPEI's newly established COVID-19 Community Impact Fund.
"It was amazing to see some of our best and most wellknown Island ambassadors come together and support P.E.I. at a time of great worry and uncertainty," CFPEI's executive director Kent Hudson said.
"We truly hope this will have been a once-in-a-lifetime event."
Gallant, a former CBC weatherman and the gala's host, kept the evening fun and lively. Most of his interviews with guests were focused on their careers and successes, mostly keeping the focus of the gala away from pandemictalk.
And sometimes he'd join in on the fun, whether it be clacking the spoons alongside one of musician Richard Wood's fiddle tunes, or tossing on a wig and joking that he can't wait for barber shops to reopen.
The livestream garnered about 15,600 views during the course of about three and a half hours, which amounted to about 1,500 people watching simultaneously at its peak.
It wasn't without a few technical hiccups – since each segment was streamed via video conference from individual's respective homes, there were a few issues with audio that forced Gallant to adapt on the spot while they were worked out.
But in a way, the occasional webcam lag added to the evening's relaxed, informal charm and showcased Islanders' willingness to look out for each other despite obstacles.
Between the livestream's many musical offerings, here are a few highlights:
During a pre-recorded segment, Charlottetown Mayor Philip Brown presented the key to the city to two of the Island's health leaders during the pandemic, Dr. Heather Morrison and Marion Dowling, as well as to all front-line health-care workers.
"We thank you, merci beaucoup, for everything you do to keep us safe," he said.
Chef Michael Smith of the Inn at Bay Fortune offered a lesson on how to make bread, saying there's been an increase in people baking and cooking at home because of the pandemic.
"The circumstances are tough, but we're cooking more than ever before," he said.
With him was his trusty sous-chef and daughter, Ariella.
Gallant spoke with a number of Island-renown athletes who reminisced on some career highlights. Former NHL coach Doug MacLean shared on his time teaching Gerard (Turk) Gallant at Three Oaks High School in Summerside, who was also present and has since coached in the NHL himself.
As his graduation neared, apparently Turk was thinking about pursuing a career as a mail carrier.
"You know what, Gerard, I would really focus on the hockey if I was you," MacLean said at the time.
"I think he took my advice, and he did a pretty good job of it."
Comedian Patrick Ledwell shed some light on the pandemic with some observational, Island-centric humour, expressing how some traditional P.E.I. tropes have played an important role in getting Islanders through some challenging times.
"Who would have thought that Islanders would give you six feet of space in a Sobeys?"
Premier Dennis King shared a pre-recorded message to Islanders, and also announced was an online variation of the popular Chase the Ace lottery, which will operate online until the pandemic ends with the proceeds going toward CFPEI's new fund.
“It was amazing to see some of our best and most wellknown Island ambassadors come together and support P.E.I. at a time of great worry and uncertainty. We truly hope this will have been a oncein-a-lifetime event.” Kent Hudson