July 3, 2024

We had a lovely visit with a couple of Team Fergmeijer fans this week who were passing through on a cross-Manitoulin road trip in their new car. Turns out one had his own car ignition installing business. He’s a real self-starter. We promised them that we would incorporate their love of driving into this week’s column. As usual, we’ve been pretty subtle about it, so watch carefully and see if you can catch our sneaky car and driving references. Hopefully the jokes don’t backfire and have you Saab-ing by the end of things.

Nothing revs our engines quite like seeing all the amazing and creative goods available at the largest weekly market on Manitoulin. Stop in for some great finds and support local artisans and bakers. There is always lots to explore between vendors in the covered rink, in the colourful cabanas, and in pop-up stores in the parking lot, as well as the many local shops in the village. 

It must really be summer now, because the Manitoulin Tennis Club is meeting twice a week! Come on out Sunday mornings at 10am and/or Wednesday evenings at 6:30pm, both at the Manitoulin Secondary School courts. Players of all abilities are welcome, with lessons available in the near future.

Don’t forget to email us (fergmeijer@gmail.com) with any significant events like birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, really great sand castles, terrific naps, or any other accomplishments you would like to see recognized here in the column. 

Jabbawong Storytelling Festival is nearly here! This festival is part of the ARTINFUSION weekend (July 5-7) which includes a vendor market, a BBQ lunch on the Saturday, an exhibition of the Manitoulin Island Artists Guild, art workshops on the Sunday, and an evening with author Waubgeshig Rice on the Friday night. Team Fergmeijer has it on good authority that Steve Paikin will also be part of the festivities. Commence the fangirling! Check out the Jabbawong Storytelling Festival on Facebook for more information.

Need more fun to fuel your summer? Come out to the Kagawong Show and Shine car show next Saturday (July 13th). The cars will be at Dig and Doug’s Cedar Furniture on Main Street from 10am - 3pm. There will be lots of great vehicles on display for all to admire. Then, it’s time to hit the beach that evening for the library’s annual open air movie night! Check out the library facebook page (fb.com/Kagawonglibrary) for more details. 

Take some time to catch your breath, stretch and hydrate so you don’t blow a gasket and are too exhausted for when things REALLY take off the weekend of July 20th! The Billings Library is hosting their annual book sale and a local author showcase on Saturday (11-3pm) - local authors interested in participating can reach out to the library (billingsreads@gmail.com) to be included. Also that weekend, the Manitoulin Art Tour will spotlight a number of Billings artists in the region over the course of the entire weekend. 

And don’t forget about the island-wide Household Hazardous Waste Day, also on July 20th! Not as summer-y, we know. But an important part of helping the environment by keeping hazardous things out of our community landfill. Save up your batteries, old electronics, paints, and chemicals - residents of Billings can drop off items at the Mindemoya Roads Building that Saturday from 1pm-4pm.

With the Show and Shine car show coming up, perhaps we should have started this column with a spoiler alert. Have a great week!