Article content Tobermory is gearing up for the annual Chi-Cheemaun Festival, and this year the harbour town is celebrating the “Big Canoe’s” 50th Anniversary with a four-day party. The festival is one of several commemorative events this year paying homage to the ferry that has been shuttling passengers and vehicles between Tobermory at the tip of the Bruce Peninsula and South Baymouth on Manitoulin Island since 1974 when it replaced two ferries, the Norgoma and Norisle. A fashion show will kick off the four-day festival (June 13 to 16) Thursday night at the Tobermory Community Centre with a cash bar operated by the Lion’s Head Rotary Club.
Before that, volunteers for the Scrub the Tub Cleanup by Keep the Bruce Clean and Green are asked to gather at the harbour chamber kiosk at 3 p.m. Traditional Chi-Cheemaun Festival favourites follow throughout the weekend including pancake breakfasts, a beer garden, pie sale, cardboard boat races, as well as softball and pickleball tournaments.
There are plenty of activities scheduled for children including a screening of Happy Feet on Friday, 6 p.m., at the Parks Canada Visitor Centre with entry by donation to the Friends of the Bruce Park.
The 50th Anniversary Chi-Cheemaun parade through the downtown area begins at 11 a.m. Saturday.
Saturday night features the Light Up the Night Chi-Cheemaun Festival Cruise with fireworks at dusk. There are limited tickets for the cruise still available as of June 6. Tickets are $70 for adults, .
