A summer to celebrate

Shorts and tees. Flowers in full bloom. Fires along the beach. Camp grounds populated with families. These are all sure signs people in the Bay St. George area are getting out of their homes and enjoying the summer. While the weather might not always play out to our benefit, we certainly have better luck with the sun than other areas in the province.

In case you're wondering what you and your family can do over the next couple of months, here's a little look at some of the activities planned in the Bay St. George area.

Stephenville Theatre Festival launched its 30th anniversary season last week and runs until Aug. 16. The festival, which started in 1979, has various shows scheduled to open over the next three weeks. There are also one-off events and dinner theatres. A festival event is a great opportunity to check out the brand new seating and other renovations at Stephenville's Arts and Culture Centre. For more information, call the festival office at 643-4982 or visit www.stf.nf.ca.

As dedicated Georgian readers already know, this is Come Home Year for communities on and around the Port au Port peninsula. While several events have already taken place, there's still plenty more to take in, including school reunions, sports tournaments, and rock concerts. To find out more, call 644-2285 or visit www.portauport2009.com.

The Bay St. George powwow is being held July 10, 11 and 12. It's being planned as a way for both aboriginal people and the community at large to share in Mi'kmaq culture and traditions. It takes place in Flat Bay. Visit www.baystgeorgemikmaqpowwow.com for more information, including driving directions and etiquette reminders.

The famous Blueberry Festival takes place in St. George's on July 31, Aug. 1 and 2. This is the festival's 19th year, and people from Bay St. George and beyond should check out this venue to be entertained by both traditional and contemporary musicians.

There is a summer festival being held in Bay St. George South from July 27 to Aug. 2. Residents are planning on using proceeds to purchase a new fire truck for the region. There's a slew of events planned, including a softball tournament, dinners, bake sales, a quilt show and a variety concerts. To find out more, call organizer David Hulan at 645-2144.

If your community or non-profit group is holding an event this summer and would like to get the word out to the Georgian's readers, be sure to give us a shout! Our contact information appears at the bottom of this page. Let's get out there and make summer 2009 a special one to remember.