GCA perseveres for a great gathering

GALETTA – The weather was the only thing the Galetta Community Association (GCA) could rely on for Saturday’s (July 25) third annual Great Galetta Gathering, but the small group of hosts put on a heck of a party anyway.

It was perfect summer weather for the GCA’s relatively new event, but cancellations and last-minute changes put the small community association through the wringer as they had to quickly adjust on the fly.

“This year’s event was stressful due to last minute cancellations and changes by musicians and vendors, and worst of all, finding out on the Sunday before the food truck we had booked many months in advance was no longer in business,” GCA President Sue Hierlihy told West Carleton Online yesterday (July 27). “We did a quick pivot and decided to sell hot dogs and hamburgers ourselves and managed to pull it off.”

And the crowds loved it, showing up in record numbers for 2026.

“The Great Galetta Gathering 2026 was the best ever in terms of attendance and entertainment, with lots of compliments from attendees,” Hierlihy said. “With the grounds licensed for 11,000 bodies, it never looks crowded, but the numbers were constant all day. We estimate about 400 people attended, backed up by sales of more than 220 hot dogs and hamburgers in addition to snacks and pop. Popcorn and Freezies were hot sellers for the local 4H group.”

The GCA has been working in infrastructure for hosting community events the last few years. In spring 2024, the GCA received $6,500 from the City of Ottawa’s Community Building Grants program to build a new outdoor performance stage. This year they put a lid on it.

“The gazebo atop our performance platform was completed just in time, augmented by the newly installed hydro installation facilitated by Coun. Clarke Kelly,” Hierlihy said.

“Kyle Felhaver, Katya Beresnikow and Whiskey Sour provided great music, with the latter prompting non-stop line dancing from a group of ladies who had an excellent time.”

And there was lots of things accompanying the music to make it an all-day party for all ages.

“Covered Bridge Brewery from Kinburn and Farmgate Cider from the outskirts of Galetta were on hand to supply adult libations,” Hierlihy said.

“As always, we are happy to acknowledge the support from the City of Ottawa in supplying outdoor games for the kids, and there’s no doubt the bouncy castles from Runamok Amusements in Dunrobin were a hit.  

“Firefighters from Station 62 in Fitzroy Harbour brought a pumper truck and water rescue boat for kids explore.  We are so grateful for all the volunteers who made the event possible.”