June 12, 2024

Took a quick flight down south and we are actually writing the column from the airport this week. It has been a bit of a crazy trip. We just got here and there’s a woman completely passed out on the luggage carousel! She’s slowly coming around now. We spent some time in South America on this trip. We Ecua-dore it there! The next stop on the trip was Cuba and we are Havana great time! One half of Team Fergmeijer decided we should jump out of a perfectly good airplane while we are here. She is definitely the more adventurous of the two of us; she tends to chute first and ask questions later. The friend we were staying with has a very different personality. She loves to travel by Zeppelin (she hasn’t figured out there are faster and easier ways to get around yet). She’s happy though. It’s true what they say: ignorance is blimps. 

Thank you to Manitoulin Streams for orchestrating the planting of new native trees and shrubs along the Kagawong beach and waterfront area! These plants will provide shade to the playground area, prevent geese from coming into the playground, reduce runoff, and provide food for small bird species and pollinators. Thank you also to all the volunteers who came out to help plant!

Body Stories Dance is hosting free adult and teen Mindful Movement workshops throughout June and July at the Kagawong Park Centre! Workshops are Mondays from June 3rd until July 15th (but not July 1st), from 7pm-8:30pm. Teens are welcome with a participating adult. For more information or to register, email bodystoriesdance@gmail.com or call 647-213-1497

Come on out for a delightful evening of music, hosted by the Island Singers and the Manitoulin Community Choir on June 22nd at 7pm. Manitoulin choirs and musicians will be performing at Manitoulin Secondary School that evening for a pay-what-you-wish donation to Manitoulin Family Resources. It will be great music for a great cause!

Happy 29th birthday wishes go out to Trish T, and Karlene S. We hope you both enjoy an all-nighter to celebrate (even if these days that just means sleeping through the night without getting up to pee). 

It’s just around the corner! Kagawong’s summer markets run weekly on Wednesdays beginning on June 26. Be sure to stop in the village for some great finds, and support local artisans and bakers. 

Looking to spin a yarn? The Jabbawong Storytelling Festival is back, July 5th and 6th in Kagawong. Check out Jabbawong Storytelling Festival on Facebook for more details.

Start your engines! The Kagawong Show and Shine car show is back! Join classic car enthusiasts on Saturday, July 13th from 10am - 3pm at Dig and Doug’s Cedar Furniture on Main Street (free parking available right next door in the township lot). There will be lots of great cars on display for all to admire. Sponsored by the Billings Parks, Recreation, and Wellness Committee.

The Billings Library keeps things going in the summer with the annual book sale and local author showcase on July 20th. And don’t forget about the Manitoulin Art Tour that same weekend!

The Old MIll Heritage Centre is now open seven days a week! Don’t miss the popular vintage camera and photographic exhibition (back by popular demand). There is also a new exhibit featuring local representatives who have gone on to have storied political careers. Be sure to stop in! Also in museum news, mark August 8th in your calendars: History Day in Kagawong is back with speakers Richard Thomas and Mike Strobel. Check out the Old Mill Heritage Centre Facebook page for more details.

Billings Library is planning another beach movie night and they are taking suggestions! Email billingsreads@gmail.com to give your suggestion of a movie title for a community movie night by the water. 

Tennis, anyone? The Manitoulin Tennis Club is back to meeting Sunday mornings at 10am at the Manitoulin Secondary School courts. Players of all abilities are welcome, with lessons available in the near future.

Do you know what is worse than raining cats and dogs on your holidays? Hailing a taxi. Have a great week!