When Irish immigrants made the Pontiac their new home some 200 years ago, they brought with them some of their best traditions, including the kitchen party. The team at the Quyon Legion honoured this heritage Saturday when they threw open the doors and once again showed that they know their community and how to host them.
The invitation said, “Bring your instruments and join the fun.”
Stalwart participant in this annual Saint Patrick’s Day event was Cal Cummings, who acted as unofficial band leader. He was accompanied for most of the music by Ottawa native Bob McKenna and Almonte resident Tom Conners.
Banjos, fiddles, guitars and mics were enthusiastically wielded while the air filled with a broad array of Irish tunes, in keeping with the day, as well as familiar country songs and a multitude of other toe-tapping musical favourites. This trio was later joined by local musician Brett Stanley as they played long into the afternoon.
Kitchen parties tend to be informal affairs where the ebb and flow of conversation and entourage are dynamic. They are often filled with moments where connections with friends and family are refreshed while new acquaintances are brought on board. This energy and legacy was on full display at the Legion where the bar rail replaced the kitchen table as the hub around which the gathered made merry and where the shuffleboard table offered delineation for a makeshift stage.
A familial nature of things was evident amongst participants and, as by the invitation’s design, shake their shamrocks they did.
