7 fun things to do in P.E.I. this weekend
Sara Fraser | CBC News | Posted: August 5, 2016 7:00 PM | Last Updated: August 5, 2016
A quick guide to what's on this weekend on P.E.I., from theatre in Monticello to tractor pulls in Crapaud
It's the weekend already, and you haven't figured out what to do?
Before you know it, it'll be Old Home Week and the end of summer will be staring us in the face. Check this handy guide for some entertainment that might interest you.
St. Peters Blueberry Festival
The 34th annual St. Peters Bay Wild Blueberry Festival and Homecoming has been unfolding all week and continues through Sunday.
On Friday there's a variety concert at the United Church at 7 p.m. and an adult dance at the rink at 10 p.m. with DJ New Generation. Tckets are $10.
On Saturday at 11 a.m. take in the parade through St. Peters — expect tractors, fire trucks, floats, horses and plenty of candy tossed to spectators.
Over at the park, enjoy a blueberry pancake brunch at noon, bingo, bouncy inflatables and free afternoon entertainment with Peggy Clinton and Johnny Ross. Top off the night with another dance at the rink featuring the band Copy Cat for $10.
Wrap up the weekend Sunday with an art exhibit at the St. Peters Circle Club from 1 to 4 p.m. and fireworks around 9:30 p.m. over the bay. More info on the festival's Facebook page.
Island Fringe Festival
The Island Fringe Festival began its fifth year on Thursday and runs through Sunday.
Audiences will be treated to independent and alternative theatre: eight plays including imports from Quebec City, Toronto, Rhode Island and even Mexico.
There are family-friendly daytime shows as well as late-night offerings with what organizers are calling the Fringe in the Park/Fringe After Dark series.
All shows have first-come seating and admission is by donation which goes to the artists for production costs, plus there's an overall $3 admission for the full festival called a Patron Pin to cover administration costs. You can find all the details at their website, islandfringe.com.
P.E.I. Truck & Tractor Pull
Like things loud? Check out the 35th annual P.E.I. Truck & Tractor Pull Championships Friday and Saturday in Crapaud, P.E.I., at the exhibition grounds.
On Friday night there will be a fireworks display at 10 p.m. to celebrate 35 years.
A day pass is $15 for adults, $6 for 12 and under (preschoolers free), while a weekend pass is $25 or $10 for youth. See the full schedule here.
Nan-kenstein & Friends
In a special one-night-only appearance, original Annekenstein cast member Nancy McLure joins the revamped show Saturday night at the Guild. And folks, this lady is funny.
There are only three Saturdays left to catch Annekenstein, which brings back skits including World's Fastest Anne of Green Gables the Musical and Moe Gorman singing Double Double from his album Songs of Slander and Libel.
More info here. Tickets are $25.
UPEI Barn Reunion
On Saturday night at 9 p.m., come back to UPEI to share your memories of the glory days of The Barn, where students gathered before the W.A. Murphy Student Centre was built.
Music by DJs Blake Doyle, Joel Ives and Scott Ferris. Everyone is welcome, and there will be a special tribute to the class of '91, celebrating 25 years.
Tickets are $15 and are available here with a limited number at the door of the Murphy student centre — if you haven't been there, it's on campus where the old gym used to be.
Theatre in an 1840s schoolhouse
Sunday up east on the Island's North Shore in Monticello, P.E.I., watch local youth and summer residents present the 30-minute community theatre production It Wasn't All Readin', Writen' and Arithmetic at the historical 1840 one-room Big Cape Schoolhouse.
Don't Ye Know Theatre Inc. "allows anyone to learn theatre skills while bringing enjoyable theatre to the community & visitors," says its Facebook page. It's also presenting other show including puppet theatre.
The play's premise: apprentice teacher Isabella McIntosh and the local children learn and survive the first day of school under the direction of teacher Angus MacDonald.
Shows Sundays, Mondays and Thursdays at 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. and admission is by donation, with a suggested donation of $10. More info on the theatre's website here.
Nathan Wiley at Trailside
Summerside native Nathan Wiley plays the Trailside in Mount Stewart on Sunday, supporting his six-song EP Bandits, with backing from James Phillips on electric guitar. Expect his trademark moody, bluesy sound — what he describes as his "two-sided persona of small-town-boy-meets-big-city-desire-and-despair."
Wiley first earned acclaim for his 2002 debut Bottom Dollar, picking up an East Coast Music Award for Alternative Album of the Year. Two years later, another ECMA-winning album High Low followed, then The City Destroyed Me in 2007. He's shared the stage with Blue Rodeo, Sarah Harmer and Steve Earle.
Wiley now spends a good portion of his time producing other Maritime acts.
Music starts at 8 p.m. and tickets are $20.
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