Busy weekend at Wheatley fish fest
The Wheatley community will celebrate its heritage on Aug. 1-3 with the annual fish festival.
Posted By Leamington Post
Posted 2 years ago
Many events are planned for the weekend including a parade Saturday morning at 11 a.m. from the Wheatley area, the continuation of the Big Boyz fishing derby, which started the weekend prior, and the Wheatley Idol contest on Sunday at Two Creeks.
The weekend will start Friday with a three-pitch mixed baseball tournament followed with music and food at the arena.
Saturday morning gets underway with a breakfast served by the Wheatley Scouts at the legion at 8 a.m. and also at starting at 8 a.m. will be a giant yard sale and barbecue at the Friendship club.
The Ladies Auxiliary will hold a bake sale at the legion at 9 a.m. and
Ivan Coulter Park will be occupied many animals at 9:30 a.m. for the pet parade.
The festival parade down Erie St. at 11 a.m. will included many floats, bands, residents and more. They will meet and get information at the arena at 10 a.m.
"This year there will be three marching bands," said to Sue Adamson, parade coordinator.
Jack's Coffee Shop Ketchup Cruisers will be on display at the recreation complex from 1-3:30 p.m.
New to the festival this year are several contests to demonstrate fishing skills. Starting at 1 p.m., there will be a contest for fish-filleting, then net stringing and smoked fish.
The day will finish with Wheatley's famous all-you-can-eat yellow perch and broasted chicken dinner from 5-8 p.m. at the arena followed by a dance with the Derek Brown's band from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
On Sunday the scouts will again start the day with breakfast at 8 a.m. at the legion. and the Big Boyz fishing derby will continue with presentations and closing ceremonies at the area from 1 to 6 p.m. There will be music by Scott Holland.
Also at 1 p.m. will be a tug of war contest and at 2 p.m. a fish filleting contest at the arena. Entry forms are available at Wheatley businesses.
A yellow perch luncheon will be held at the arena from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. supported by the Ontario Commercial Fisheries Association. Tickets are $10 with a total of 300 for sale. Proceeds will go back to fund future fish festivals.
At 1 p.m. Two Creeks Conservation area will be full of music with the largely anticipated Wheatley Idol competition will get underway at 1 p.m., presented by the Wheatley Optimist Club.
According to Darla Janzen, organizer, they have "40 registered" contestants.
"It is a fantastic year for the Idol, in pre-registrations," she said.
"We encourage people to come out and watch the show."
This year's guest judges include: recording artists, singer/songwriters: Nicole Barron and Crystal Gage; Country 92.7 CJSP Morning Radio Host, Cordell Green; and 2007 Wheatley Idol overall winner Jen Knight.
Ending the festival at 6:30 p.m. will be an outdoor concert.
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