Abuptic Festival has something for everyone

If variety is the spice of life then the Abupic Festival surely has two scoops.

This year's festival features events that are long-time favourites while also introducing new activities.

Bud Spinney, a member of the festival organizing committee, says they are always open to trying new and different things as long as people are willing to volunteer their time.

"Our policy is we'll do anything new, providing somebody will look after it. If you've got a good idea, we'll do it if you do it."

One favourite that is taking a year off is the lobster crate run.

"Last year we didn't have that many in it," says Spinney. "That's one of those things that if it's a nice, hot day, you get a lot of people. If it's a drizzly, foggy day, nobody wants to get wet."

For foodies, there's no shortage of chances to eat.

The main attraction of the festival's first day is the community supper at the Central Argyle Community Hall. Wednesday will feature a lobster boil and festival goers can start their day off right on Friday with an Abuptic breakfast and then later in the day enjoy the haddock fish fry.

Spinney says the fish fry, an event they tried for the first time last year, was a big hit. They expect it to be even better this year.

"A lot of people didn't know what we were doing (last year but) it went over really, really big," says Spinney, "so this year we're looking for a huge (turnout)."

Saturday will feature the chilli cook-off, another new event, and no doubt there will be plenty of chances for sampling. Spinney says they hope to get 10 entries in the event, possibly from area businesses or families.

For those people more interested in being active, there is also plenty to choose from. Of course there are such festival staples as the Argyle Mile on Friday and the cycling time trials on Thursday, but this year a new addition to the mix is the street hockey tournament. That's scheduled for Thursday at Camp Cove Wharf.

Each year the festival picks a different theme for the parade and this year is no different. Parade entries will get the chance to decorate for and celebrate their favourite holiday. Expect to see floats and people dressed for Christmas, Halloween, Easter and anything else that might strike their fancy. The parade is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

Of course the celebration would not be complete without fireworks. This year the fireworks show is scheduled for Friday at dusk. As always, the rain date is the following day.

For a complete festival schedule see this week's Vanguard.