Bayfest 2010 & 2011

Memories of Bayfest for us date back to the 80’s. That just reminded me of ‘If you can remember the 60’s  . . . you weren’t really there’.

Back then it was known as TomatoFest – I guess because of the thousands of acres of delicious tomatoes grown in this area.

Like many of the other local festivals, attendance and participation has dwindled over time. It takes a lot of hard work and a lot of willing volunteers to successfully manage and organize these events. If you enjoy these events as much as we do get out there and volunteer. They’re always looking for some fresh ideas.

Here are a few more highlights of our favourite summer festival  . . .

Elvis may have left the building but he was sighted in Port Rowan !

Marching bands  . . .  always give me those patriotic goose bumps!

The Shriners clubs travel from all over and as usual, held a very strong presence with all their antics in every type of classic vehicle including mini-bikes, ATV’s, Love Bugs & Jeeps.






Green Acres is the place for me . . . Farm livin’ is the life for me


Other than our RV park, Shady Acres Marina with their Hawaiian theme was the only other local park that entered a float in the parade.

While they lacked in decorating skills  *sarcasm*



They made up for with their enthusiasm and musical talent!





These two little hula dancers were priceless – they stole the show!






Just when we thought the parade was over, a few lingering suspicious-looking carnies were spotted:


Oh! Wait a minute! That’s my family – Mary Ann, my brother Ken and our daughter Shy.
Seriously! You ladies need to work on your ‘Princess Waves’!








Altho’ Son-In-Law Dave seems to have the right concept.    Hmmm…




Various food vendors teased us with the aromas wafting from their booths.









Nancy & the Cowboy enjoying some ice cream





Other craft vendors tempted us with their home made wares plus there was a carnival area set up down at the docks with lots of exciting rides for the kiddies and grown ups alike.



. . . Land spreadin’ out so far and wide . . .

Is that song still playing in your head like it is in mine? You’re Welcome

After running into and chatting with old friends and other family members we decided that we had all eaten, seen & spent enough. It was agreed that we would try and find a shuttle to take us to the other end of town where our cars were parked.  Apparently, we had walked enough too. Finding a shuttle was the easy part. Arriving at the right end of town ?  Not so much!


It took us a couple (or 3) tours around the the wrong part of town before we convinced the very friendly driver where we needed to be.
Blaine (Cowboy’s brother) & Julie didn’t seem to mind the ride.








Arriving back at our RV site we were welcomed by our own wonderful aroma from the simmering slow cooker filled with pulled pork which we enjoyed with potato salad and fresh local sweet corn – cooked over our own campfire. Top that off with fresh blueberry pie. We love summer in Ontario!
Bayfest also offers up a wonderful display of fireworks marking the end of the celebration. We had every intention of returning to watch however, damp weather and light rains deterred us. I’ve included a couple of photos from last year taken with my Panasonic Lumix.
I was a bit disappointed that I didn’t get a chance to see what my Nikon D80 would do with some fireworks shots . . . ahh well, maybe next year.


By the way, that was my only disappointment of the day. We all had a lot of laughs and it was a great day!


For those of you who have hung in here till the end and not toddled off to have a nap. We’re almost there, trust me.


I just want to close off this post with a couple more of my photos.

Here’s a ferris wheel:

Same ferris wheel but now with a little keener photographer’s eye:

Today I’m grateful for so many things – always friends & families. Volunteers, Parades, Shuttles and my ability to google lyrics for those old TV shows.

Keep Manhattan, just give me that countryside!

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