Wheatley Fish Festival was an overwhelming success

Despite threats of inclement weather, Wheatley residents and out-of-towners were undeterred, offering generous support all weekend, June 28-30. Each day offered a variety of entertainment options for young and young at heart.  

Two acts of live entertainment — Ryan Bradley and South River Slim — kicked things off Friday at Two Creeks pavilion with numerous kids events scattered about. 

Saturday, the harbour was abuzz with tote races, tug of war, specialty crafts and food caterers. More kids’ events and for the first time in over 20 years — a fishing boat tug of war. 

Saturday night, Car Barn Catering served just shy of 400 fabulous dinners and Jody Raffoul band rocked the rink afterwards.

Sunday, the annual parade kicked off from the arena and boasted a record number of decorated bikes as it headed south.

Sunday, in a scene reminiscent of the past Hogs for Hospice visit, 120 classic vehicles lined the downtown core as wall to wall pedestrians were treated to offerings of Jason Baclig live, while  Lil Hil’s, iScreams and Renny’s cold beer patio offered food to the west, with Lucky Wok on the east side.

Ivan Coulter Park turned to a kids’ zone with magic by Jangles the Clown and a total kids’  pleaser by Zoo to You, featuring turtles, snakes, rabbit, chinchilla and a baby kangaroo that everyone could touch, pet and hold. Numerous snake charmers were discovered at this event.

The boat parade and a fabulous fireworks display closed out the weekend Sunday night at the harbour, presented by Cabral Fisheries.

On behalf of the entire and exhausted volunteer committee co-chair Hilary Hodgson summed the weekend up with, “We had so much fun this weekend, we hope all of Wheatley and our visitors did as well.”

Numerous pictures, videos and a tribute by Hilary to her committee members and volunteers summed up the weekend on the Wheatley Fish Fest Facebook page.