The Southampton Marine Heritage Festival starts today and continues through Sunday.
Friday’s activities include a kids bike rally at Fairy Lake, and Captain Sparrow’s Corn Roast BBQ at the Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre as well as a history walk.
Saturday’s events include cardboard boat races.
“This three-day celebration has something for all ages,” says Festival Co-Chair Deb Kaufman who adds, “And it’s free – no admission or registration fees.”
Co-Chair Doug Goar adds, “With over twenty-five new and ‘best of’ activities, it’s the perfect way to spend quality time with family and friends in a beautiful beachside setting.”
New this year, are some Chantry Time-Trek History Walks, which introduce participants to mariners, lighthouse keepers and other characters from Southampton’s storied past.
Children’s activities include a Bike Rally and searching for treasures in the beachfront Gold Hunt.
Also new this year are some displays including displays including giant LEGO creations by Ken Reid who is known for his 92,000-brick MS Chi-Cheemaun (now on display at the Tom Thomson Art Gallery) but is bringing to the Festival for the first time his giant LEGO Titanic, LEGO Millennium Falcon, detailed LEGO sailing ships, and others.
There is a new sailor-themed production by LookUp Theatre, where acrobats and dancers take to the skies in a high-flying nautical adventure.
Organizers also say the Southampton Yacht Club is doing a sail past.
There will be lots of food including a corn roast BBQ, pancake breakfast, and a fish fry as well as beer garden, concessions and sweet treats.
The live music lineup includes The Sapsuckers, Moon Dance, and Mike McDonald & Shakey D Blues performing on the Pioneer Park Stage; The Sofa Kings bringing dance hits to the Sunset Beach Party; Johnny & The Appleseeds entertaining under the big top tent; John Stewart; and David Archibald and the new Richard Knechtel family sing-along. There is limited seating for the sing-along – but you can get free advance tickets.
There’s also the “Bernie’s Boat” crew meet and greet, as well as road hockey with the Saugeen Shores Winterhawks.
