Donald Teuma-Castelletti
CHAPEAU Aug. 24-25, 2018
The party on Allumettes Island returned last weekend, extending from a one day event into two and featuring tons of local talent in many forms.
For the first time, as well, the annual Island Fest was organized in part by the Pontiac Ouest summer student, Claudia Gleason, who was entirely new to the process.
“I was surprised at how many people were willing to help out,” said Gleason. “They’ve been great at volunteering and sponsoring us.”
A communications and media student from Carleton University, Gleason first began working with Pontiac Ouest in June, as she was hired on to help with their website and the festival.
She credits the willingness of her co-workers and volunteers to help out with all the different parts as leading to another successful festival, especially when she has very little organizational under her belt before starting in this position.
Starting on Friday night, there was much added this year. The festival kicked off with a chili cook-off that saw over 100 guests attend and six chefs compete – with Mary-Lynn Adam taking home first place and Eldon Adam coming in at second.
The evening continued with a variety of events, from baseball games to sunset beer yoga. Later on, an adults vs kids baseball game took place, with the latter sweeping 4-0.
Saturday morning was supposed to continue with more baseball, but a lack of registration by teams nixed that. Nonetheless, fun continued with a dunk tank, inflatable structures, carriage rides, and much more.
Unfavourable weather did lead to some disappointing results for the Chapeau Lions’ Duck Race. After dumping the ducks into the river from the bridge onto the island, the winds proved too strong and pushed the ducks in the wrong direction.
This led to the winners being determined by having their tickets pulled. Jean-Paul Lariviere took first, while Kevin St. Louis was runner-up. In third was Dacie Chartrand, with Bert Collin in fourth and Wade Maika in fifth.
Chartrand taking third was a surprise to many, as they’re not actually human – it’s the beloved dog of Lion President Dave Brisard.
Live entertainment ran through the afternoon, as a smorgasbord of talent from the area incorporating everything from ukulele to fiddle filled the stage. They warmed up the stage for the likes of Logan Larochel and The Groove Revival to entertain into the night. The road was blocked off so that attendees could dance the night away safely.
Of course, the big favourite is the Saturday night meal – the island’s own Ribfest. It proves to be a popular community meal, leaving many salivating as they await the ribs to emerge for serving.
