5 fun things to do on P.E.I. this weekend
Sara Fraser | CBC News | Posted: August 12, 2016 8:00 PM | Last Updated: August 12, 2016
From a major folk festival down east to a pow wow up west, there's lots to take in on the Island
We're halfway through August already and the summertime clock is ticking down on P.E.I.
There's harness racing, the midway, agricultural exhibits, concerts and horse shows in Charlottetown this weekend for Old Home Week.
But if you're looking for something different or out of town, here are a few suggestions to add to your weekend calendar.
1. Clogeroo
Clogeroo in Georgetown, P.E.I., is in its third year and calls itself Atlantic Canada's "freshest folk festival." Bands play outside on the waterfront during the day and evening, and inside at the Three Rivers Sportsplex for late-night shows — that's for 19 years and over only.
This year's artists include P.E.I. natives Al Tuck and No Action, Coyote, Catherine MacLellan, Ten Strings and A Goat Skin, Vishten, the Rubber Boot Band and many more acts from across the Atlantic provinces.
There will be fireworks Saturday evening, which were said last year to be "jaw dropping," and The Galley by Chef Norman will provide food truck service.
The event happens rain or shine. Bring your own lawn chair. There are no pets allowed, and kids under 12 get in free if they bring a grownup.
A weekend pass is $90, a Saturday pass is $45 and a Sunday pass is $25.00, or you can buy tickets for afternoon/evening/late shows. More info here.
2. Lennox Island Pow Wow
Lennox Island First Nation's annual pow wow starts Friday night and goes until Sunday on the Mi'kmaq band's reserve at Lennox Island, near Tyne Valley.
Friday night kicks off with the lighting of a sacred fire between 6 and 7 p.m. at the pow wow grounds by the cove, followed by bingo under a tent at 7. There's a free dinner Friday night and a traditional feast Saturday will include bannock, mussels, lobster and blueberry cake.
There's a grand entry both Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m. — that's a parade of dancers in regalia and opening prayer that signals the beginning of the pow wow. Throughout the day there will be special dances including shawl and jingle dress dancers as well as drumming, food vendors, traditional crafts.
Everyone is welcome and the event is free. More info here on the Lennox Island Culture and Tourism Facebook page.
3. Alberton Annual Multicultural Festival
They're shutting down Main Street in Alberton on Saturday afternoon from 1 to 4 p.m. for a multicultural festival. They're having a barbecue and bake sale to raise funds for local charities, a bouncy house and kid's games, information booths and vendors from various cultures.
There's no admission and the festival will feature Acadian singers and dancers, a 30-minute performance of Mi'kaq Legends, jewelry and clothing from Pakistan and henna tattoos.
For more info visit the Alberton Business Association's Facebook page.
4. Beef on the barbie
The Farmers Helping Farmers annual beef barbecue at the Harrington Research Centre on Brackley Point Road in Charlottetown Saturday from 4 to 6:30 p.m. is the organization's biggest fundraiser of the year.
There will be a salad bar, new P.E.I. potatoes, green and yellow beans, a juicy steak and strawberry shortcake with real whipped cream.
FHF on P.E.I. has been working with farmers and schools in Kenya to build sustainable agricultural communities for 35 years. A blog on the group's projects is frequently updated with fascinating stories and incredible photos: check it out here.
Tickets are $30 or $10 for kids under 12. Get them at the Charlottetown Farmer's Market or email farmershelpingfarmerspei@gmail.com. More info on the event's Facebook page.
5. Cape Bear Lighthouse Social
The Cape Bear Lighthouse and Marconi Station prides itself on being the first Canadian connection with the sinking of the Titanic — it received the distress signal from the sinking ocean liner.
It's celebrating its 135th anniversary with a fundraising social and dinner for 200 in a tent at the lighthouse on 42 Black Brook Rd in Cape Bear, rain or shine on Saturday from 2 to 5 p.m.
The menu, prepared by Island chef Greg Pearce, will include lobster and crab rolls, mussels and desserts plus a cash bar.
Amy Swenson and dancers will entertain along with Wayne MacLean and the Murray Harbour Six and Garnet Buell and the Singing Islanders.
Tickets available at the lighthouse or by calling 902-962-2917 or 902-314-2467. Admission is free for kids under 12. More info on the lighthouse Facebook page.
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