SeaFest offers something for whole family

“SeaFest continues to grow as a regional event; folks are planning their vacations around us, and each year we add new elements to keep it fresh,” explains Planning Committee chair, Jean Robinson-Dexter.

“This year’s new features include a Car Show and Shine, a Dinky Car show for children and a partnership with the Region of Queens to host “Run for the Rest of Us,” and of course, we have a number of new additions to our musical line-up, as well as returning festival favourites. We’ve also expanded our Entertainment Tent seating to include a patio area.”

The Buchanan family from Shelburne will be making their first appearance at SeaFest, as will Five Degrees from Monday, featuring local residents Steve Kempton, Shane Hatt and John Jesso and The 909, featuring Neil Dobson, Stacy Kaulback, and Cameron Dexter, as well as Juno award winner Roger Howse and his band, who will follow the April Wine concert. Returning this year are local fiddle-player Jacob Huskins with Wayne Mosher, Fossil Rock, In a Jam, and Dale Verge and Doin’ Country, as well as Tumbleweed and The Sidemen.

Returning for the third year will be the Dynamos in Action performing two shows on both Saturday and Sunday and the inflatables Pirates of the Caribbean and Big Mike will be on-site Saturday and Sunday respectively.

The Cole Ford Row for Charity returns this year with a great prize of all you need to throw a Backyard Bash, including a barbeque, the utensils, a cooler, and the food. The Veinot’s Print/Sobeys Planked Salmon Supper on Sunday will satisfy anyone’s craving for a great meal.

The fishing derby remains the core of the festival with over 70 boats participating last year and is considered “second to none” by many of the participants. Fishers of all ages will try to land the biggest mackerel, groundfish or shark to be eligible for great prizes.

SeaFest organizers are expecting a great crowd for April Wine’s concert on Friday night. Once again the Entertainment Tent sides, this year 12-feet high, will be up so there will be great viewing and hearing from anywhere in the Waterfront Park. Licensed seating in the tent is also accessible with a small cover fee.

“We’ve been able to continue to grow Queens County SeaFest because of the great support we receive from our sponsors, particularly Cole Ford Sales, Veinot’s Print, the Region of Queens, and the hard work of our volunteers. We also hope those participating in and enjoying the festival will consider contributing as well,” said Robinson-Dexter.

“We’ll have a donation bin and are asking people, if they are able, to make a contribution. A lot of people ask us – why don’t you charge for your family activities – but it’s very important to us that every family is able to participate and enjoy the festival.”