By Tammy Raycraft,
Bruce Peninsula Press
TOBERMORY, ON – Baseball tournament, cardboard boat races, fireworks and community fundraisers will fill Tobermory’s waterfront as the Chi-Cheemaun Weekend festivities kick off the sailing season and launch summer celebrations in Northern Bruce Peninsula this June.
The annual festival is organized by volunteers and supported by local groups throughout the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula (MNBP). The weekend has grown into a long-standing community tradition featuring sports tournaments, family activities and fundraisers that support local organizations.
MNBP Councillor and Chairman of the Festival Committee, Aman Sohrab, says the weekend commemorates the start of the sailing season. “The ferry is an iconic part of Georgian Bay, connecting Tobermory and Manitoulin Island, and for many people its return marks the true beginning of summer,” said Sohrab. “The weekend has included long-standing traditions such as the J.P. Johnstone Slo-Pitch Tournament, beer garden, cardboard boat race, pancake breakfast, and fireworks.”
Over the years, it has continued to grow, adding more activities and events for people of all ages to enjoy.
MNBP Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden says it has also become a kind of “homecoming weekend” for those who have ties to the community. “Many of the baseball teams have been coming for years,” Golden said. “Second generations now playing with Dads or Moms, or just getting advice from the sidelines.”
Golden stated she is always amazed at the ingenuity and artistry of the cardboard boats and how many people will brave the cold water. “This event is very popular. The harbour lined with spectators and some fun commentary sets the tone for the event,” she said.
According to Sohrab, what really makes the weekend special is how it brings the community together. “Many local organizations, including Tobermory Primary Place Daycare, the Tobermory Health Services Auxiliary, Friends of the Library, the Tobermory Food Bank, and others, work hard to host events and raise funds that support their work in the community,” he said.
Laura Rawlings, President of the Board of Directors for Tobermory Primary Place, says the food booth is by far the biggest fundraiser of the year for the daycare. Every year they sell hotdogs and hamburgers as well as drinks, chocolate bars and chips. “Something that we are particularity known for is the fried onions on our hamburgers, they have become a staple of Chi-Cheemaun weekend,” Rawlings said. “We are located at the food booth directly adjacent to the ball diamond and are open from 5pm-1am Friday, 10am-1am Saturday, and 10am-4pm on Sunday.”
For the past 2 years the daycare has also hosted a raffle, with prizes to be drawn on Saturday at 5pm. This year, the prize is cash. $500 for first, $250 for second and $100 for third.
Tobermory Primary Place hopes to make a big item purchase with the money raised from the festival in the form of engaging and quality equipment for the children.
Chi-Cheemaun weekend is also a testament to the connectedness and generosity of Tobermory, Sohrab stated. Each year, the festival is organized entirely by volunteers and supported through donations and any grants the community is fortunate enough to receive. “It brings together residents, visitors, families, volunteers, and community groups for a weekend of celebration, while highlighting the people, traditions, and places that make our community unique,” he said.
A full schedule of community events is planned leading up to, and during, the Chi-Cheemaun weekend celebrations.
Organized by Keep the Bruce Clean and Green, “Scrub the Tub” community clean-up will take place June 9. Volunteers can register by emailing ScrubTheTubTobermory@gmail.com.
A fashion show is scheduled for June 11 at the Tobermory Community Centre.
From June 12-14, a beer garden will operate at the Tobermory Baseball Diamond pavilion, alongside a food booth hosted by Primary Place Day Care and the JP Johnstone Slo-Pitch Tournament.
An exotic animal display, presented by HandsOnExotics, is planned (details to be announced) and will offer an educational presentation featuring a variety of animals.
On June 13, several events are planned throughout the community: A hot dog barbecue hosted by the Tobermory Food Bank, a pancake breakfast hosted by the Tobermory Health Services Auxiliary, a book sale organized by the Friends of the Tobermory Library, cardboard boat races at Tobermory Harbour (registration information is available by emailing councillorgolden@northernbruce.ca), Touch-a-Truck at the Owen Sound Transportation Company ferry dock, offering families the opportunity to explore a variety of large vehicles.
The Owen Sound Transportation Company will also host a Chi-Cheemaun dinner cruise and silent auction June 13, featuring musical entertainment by Marty Oblak. Additional details will be announced.
The celebrations also include fireworks at dusk on June 13.
Look for a full list of events in the June 9th (issue #10) issue of the Bruce Peninsula Press.
