Rural life steps to the fore
River John Festival a chance to eat, burn off calories
A small rural community has been bursting at the brim this week.
As early as 6:45 a.m. eggs were cooking on the outdoor grill for another morning breakfast on the verandah and Thursday, people who were feeling a little more energetic were registering for the Run by the Sea taking place on the other side of the bridge.
It’s all part of the River John Festival Days. Anyone visiting the area would be hard pressed not to acknowledge that the entire week is a celebration of rural living at its best.
“There is lots going on,” said Linda Thompson-Reid of the festival committee. “You can eat every day almost all day long.”
Each morning, the breakfasts are cooked and served by local community groups as fundraisers for their own organizations. It was estimated about 300 people showed up each morning to fill their stomachs and dine with their friends.
“You couldn’t get all of this at home for that price,” said one of the “waitresses” at the breakfast as she waited to fill another order.
Marie Langille, who was cooking the eggs, said people were ready to be served at 6:45 a.m. and the lineup was steady.
Saturday is usually the biggest day for the breakfast, said Dan Ferguson who was cooking ham beside Langille. It is hosted by the local Lions Club and serves up pancakes and sausages to about 500 people.
Not far from where the Rebekahs and IOOF members were serving up their meal, some children were lined up for a taste of breakfast that was a bit more sugar-based.
Cupcakes were being iced and eaten by small children as one of the many activities for the festival. Later in the day, Pictou County Warden Robert Parker hosted his tea at the River John Fire Hall where sweet treats were served again as people mingled with their neighbours and guests.
But not all the festival’s activities focus on food. By 8:30 a.m., Mike Tobley was setting up for the Run by the Sea, something he and his wife Maureen started about five years ago when they moved to the area.
This year, the run attracted 65 runners and walkers who did either five- or 10K circuits and ranged in age from eight to 80.
“This is a big jump in numbers this year,” Tobley said. “We have never had more than 50 participate.”
Today (Saturday) will be one of the festival’s busiest days with activities that include a car show, lobster dinner, lobster crate races, street parade, fireworks and a festival dance.
“The crate races draw the biggest crowds,” Thompson-Reid said. “People love to watch that. I won’t be brave enough to try it myself but it really is great to watch.”
The festival winds up Sunday with tug-of-war and woodsmen competitions.
A complete list of events can be viewed on Facebook at River John Festival Days 2017.