Rural life steps to the fore
River John Festival a fun chance to eat, burn off calories
A small rural community was bursting at the brim Thursday morning. As early as 6:45 a.m. eggs are cooking on the outdoor grill for another morning breakfast on the verandah and 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 is 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. On this particular day, it is the Rebekahs and IOOF members cooking up a mess of ham, eggs and toast all for $6. They estimated that about 300 people show 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 line has been steady ever since that time. Saturday is usually the biggest day for the breakfast, said Dan Ferguson who was cooking the 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 are serving up their meal, some children are 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 will be hosting his tea at the River John Fire Hall where sweet treats will be served again as people mingle with their neighbours and guests. But not all the festival’s activities focus around 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. “We asked if they had a run as part of the festival days and they said no,” he said. “We said that is something we can do.” This year, the run attracted 65 runners and walkers, including one four-legged participant who did either five or 10 kilometres. Participants range in age from eight to 80. “This is a big jump (in numbers) this year,” he said. “We have never had more than 50 participate.” Following the run, runners and their supporters were encouraged to visit the Pictou County YMCA’s On the Move activities set up in Tobley’s front yard. On the Move promotes play while raising awareness about the services provided by the YMCA. Thursday wrapped up with a children’s scavenger hunt and bingo only to do it all over again Friday with breakfast on the verandah at 6:45 a.m. kicking off another day. Friday and Saturday will be two of the festival’s busiest days. There will be Art in the Park, bed races and a festival dance Friday. On Saturday, activities 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.