It’s summer! Which means between the beach, the falls, the local eats, the marina, the markets, and ALL the goings-on, Kagawong is THE place to be! This week’s column is chock-a-block full of upcoming events, so much so that we have to be a little light on puns.
Tonight (Wednesday, July 9) is Students’ Night with the Manitoulin Tennis Club. High schoolers can get some summer competition play, and younger students are welcome to come and try out the sport. The club meets regularly Wednesdays from 6:30pm until 8:30pm and Sundays from 10am to 12noon at the Manitoulin Secondary tennis courts. Beginners and players of all ages and abilities are welcome!
The Billings Library is hosting Summer Fun Days! Kids aged 5+ are welcome to the library every Tuesday through the summer from 10-11am for games, crafts and stories. Can’t make it during those times? The summer hours for the library are Tuesday - Saturday, 9am -12 and 1pm - 5pm. Stop in and check out the fabulous selection of childrens’ and young adult books, puzzles, games, and of course lots of books for the adults too! Visit the library Facebook page for more information (Fb.com/Kagawonglibrary).
Also Tuesdays through July, the township of Billings invites everyone aged 55+ to Painting with Sheila from 1-4pm at the Kagawong Park Centre. These classes are $35 each and include all materials. Beginner painters welcome, refreshments and lots of laughter to be expected! Contact Mary at seniors@billingstwp.ca for more information or to RSVP.
Beginning this Saturday (July 12th), seniors (55+) are invited to drop-in Yoga classes at the Kagawong Park Centre at 9:30am. Beginners and experienced yogis are welcome. Classes are $5 each and run Saturdays until August 16th.
The Manitoulin Art Tour coming up on July 18th, 19th and 20th! An annual, self-guided, island-wide celebration of art and artists on Manitoulin, the Art Tour is organized by the Manitoulin Fine Arts Association. In Kagawong alone, you can explore 9 artists in 4 locations. You can download a copy of the map of all the artists across Manitoulin taking part at www.manitoulinart.com.
Island-wise household hazardous waste collection is back! Residents of Billings Township looking to declutter (and keep harmful substances out of our landfill) can drop off batteries, electronics, paint, cleaners, pharmaceuticals, propane cylinders, pesticides, and more at the Mindemoya Roads Building (7 Lakeshore Road off highway 542/551) on Saturday, July 19 from 1-4pm. Check out the poster on the Billings Township Facebook page for more details on what you can and cannot bring.
The library board would like to remind everyone that the annual book sale fundraiser is Saturday, July 19th. Friends of Manitoulin Turtles and Manitoulin Streams will be there with amazing displays, a children's book reading, and fun activities. Rumour has it Science North might even be putting in an appearance! Stop in at the picnic pavilion in downtown Kagawong between 11am and 3pm to check it out.
The Township of Billings Climate Action Committee is hosting a township yard sale on Saturday, July 25 at the Park Centre parking lot and Kagawong River Complex. Bring along any items you’d like to sell, and take some time to browse for some new treasures, all while helping to keep items out of our landfill.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the iconic Old Mill in the village. In honour of its significance to our town and the wider region of Manitoulin and beyond, the museum has published a book that explores its venerable history. These can be purchased at the Billings Heritage Centre (conveniently located in the Old Mill) and at the weekly Wednesday markets.
And back by popular demand, August 14th is the annual History Day in Kagawong. This year, Kagawongian extraordinaire Steve Paikin will be speaking with local historians Candy Tracey, Dianne Fraser, and Lois Linley. There will be historical photos and home movies dating back 100 years, and the Manitoulin Swing Band will be performing. Save the date!
We mentioned that we’d have to be light on puns this week. Truth was we weren’t bright enough to think of any. Have a great week!
