Tammy Raycraft,
Bruce Peninsula Press
The 52nd annual Chi-Cheemaun Festival kicked off June 10 with “Scrub the Tub”. This year 42 people, including divers, volunteered their time to help clean the peninsula before the upcoming festival.
Participants were provided neon orange t-shirts, gloves, garbage bags and grabbers. There was also a group of students from St. Edmunds Public School that cleaned their regular route. Volunteers gathered more than 515 pounds of waste from around the Tobermory area.
“That is both impressive and disappointing,” said Laura Bryan, Brand Ambassador at Blue Heron Company. “So sad that we are collecting so much.”
Originally scheduled for June 9, the event was delayed by one day because of forecasted storms. Volunteer numbers remained similar to last year, even with the date change (49 the year prior).
Participants gathered at the Crowsnest for a celebratory dinner following a successful day.
Fashion Show Draws Full House
A full house gathered for the annual fashion show on June 11. This year the fashion show featured The Blue Heron Shops and Mementos of Tobermory. Traditionally, The Shops at 84 Main in Lion’s Head participates in the show as well but had to back out this year due to an emergency.
Local models walked the runway and entertained the crowd while showing off comfortable, cozy and fashionable items from each shop. Music and lighting for the evening were provided by DJ Maxx, and the event was emceed by Blue Heron’s own Mitchell Edwards. Charcuterie snacks were provided at each beautifully decorated table and included a dessert plate. A cash bar was also provided to add to the festivities.
Over 160 Pancake Breakfasts Served
A steady stream of residents and visitors turned out for the annual pancake breakfast hosted by the Tobermory Health Services Auxiliary (THSA).
Volunteers from the THSA served more than 160 pancake breakfasts making the event a huge success. The event raised more than $2,200 to help enhance local health care services and support THSA initiatives benefitting residents of Northern Bruce Peninsula.
A Community Event
According to Aman Sohrab, councillor for the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula, the festival’s greatest impact is the way it unites residents and visitors each year.
“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,” Councillor Sohrab said.
Many events were set up for children attending the festival as well, kicking off with a movie in the park Friday evening. Other events included “Touch – a – Truck” where children (and children at heart) could get up close and personal with many big engines, including the local fire trucks.
HandsOnExotics provided an exotic animal display at the Tobermory Community Centre on Sunday, showcasing a variety of exotic animals and an exciting educational opportunity for all ages.
The annual book sale was held at The Tobermory Library and was sponsored by the Friends of the Library. The Tobermory Foodbank held a hotdog barbecue fundraiser from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. down at Little Tub Harbour. Both events were by donation. Across the harbour the Northern Bruce Fire Department and Parks Canada each set up interactive displays including information on the importance of fire safety and airbrushed tattoos.
The harbour filled with an excited crowd Saturday afternoon for the annual cardboard boat races (see article here), cheering on each participant with excited screaming and clapping.
The Owen Sound Transportation Company Chi-Cheemaun dinner cruise and silent auction was held Saturday evening. The cruise travelled along the Georgian Bay shoreline, with music provided by the talented Marty Oblak, returning to the Tobermory harbour where her passengers, as well as many gathered on the shoreline, enjoyed an impressive fireworks display at dusk.
Sunday morning the annual ecumenical Chi-Cheemaun service was held at The Light and Life Community Chapel. All four community churches gathered to put on the service, while Laura and John Bryan lead the worship music. Pastor Lloyd interviewed John Bryan with many questions about boats, and special music was provided by the Ladies of Note. A blessing was offered for both boats and the waters, and a luncheon of finger foods was provided by volunteers from each church.
Tobermory Primary Place volunteers ran the food booth at the Tobermory Baseball Diamond, alongside the beer gardens at the J.P. Johnstone Slow Pitch Tournament. The food booth sold more than 250 burgers on the opening night, and even though Saturday brought some inclement weather, the booth had a very successful weekend.
The slo-pitch tournament held games starting at 6 p.m. Friday evening and wrapped up the final championship game at 6:30 p.m. Sunday. The Export Division was won by the Dingbats, while the Canadian Division was won by Miller Wasted. The Ultra Division was won by local Tobermory team, the Swampy Beavers.
Photo: Ultra Division Champions of the J.P. Johnstone Memorial slow pitch tournament, local team the Swampy Beavers. 
Photo: Export Division Champions of the J.P. Johnstone Memorial slow pitch tournament, The Dingbats.
Photo: Canadian Division Champions of the J.P. Johnstone Memorial slow pitch tournament, Miller Wasted. 
“The festival is a testament to the connectedness and generosity of Tobermory. Each year, it is organized entirely by volunteers and supported through donations and any grants we are fortunate to receive,” stated Councillor Sohrab. “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.”
