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Bayfest is an end-of-summer tradition in Port Rowan



By Simcoe Advocate staff


Port Rowan and area celebrated Bayfest last weekend, a tradition that goes back more than 30 years to the days when it was known as Tomato Fest.

The three-day festival kicked off Friday with a downtown outdoor family movie night.

Saturday events included street chalking, inflatables, an art sale, baby contest, dog show, conservation crawl, Canadian Long Drive Championship at Stark’s golf course, pickleball, and for the kids, frog toss, wacky hair and hula hoop contests.

The build-a-boat competition draws some of the largest crowds. Participants start building their ‘homemade’ boats in the morning, then race them in the afternoon in the harbour/dock area, either solo or pairs.  Kayak-style paddles and boats ruled the harbour.

Twins Ice Cream Parlour hosted its annual ice cream eating contest, and live music was played throughout the afternoon.

McDonald Chapter of the Eastern Star hosted a roast beef dinner at the community centre and the evening concluded with a concert by The Trews Acoustic Trio.

Sunday schedule included a kids fishing derby, Legion brunch, big boy toy show, and the Bayfest parade - one of the larger parades in Norfolk County. It included bands, decorated bicycles, tractors, classic cars and trucks, Shriners, local businesses and a lot of fun.

Illusionist Lucas Wilson, originally from Port Rowan, wowed Bayfest crowds with his illusions, including a levitation.

Long Point Lioness / Lions chicken BBQ on Sunday was, once again, a big success, along with the pie sale. A pork barbecue was offered at the Norfolk fire hall.

Singer/songwriter Olivia Mae Graham was scheduled to play a two-hour set Sunday night.

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