Great crowds, weather at Harbour Days

FITZROY HARBOUR – Harbour Days are just a heck of a good reason to bring the community together.

The long running celebration, from July 5 to July 7, enjoyed a great turnout, a great atmosphere and great weather as the heatwave plaguing the Ottawa Valley, finally broke.

The celebration started on Thursday with the return of the community dinner – a potluck meal where participants create the menu. The dinner had been absent from Harbour Days for several years prior to this year. Thursday also hosted ladies ball, the West Carleton Electric versus the Ottawa Valley A’s in Greater Ottawa Fastball League regular season action (the Electric won!) and family outdoor bingo.

Friday was another busy day billed Fabulous Fun Day. Live music featuring Hashtag, the Kid’s Bike Parade (which had about 30 young participants), the teen Escape Room and the start of the popular three pitch tournament.

Saturday was a grand finale with more than 200 people attending the Firefighters’ Breakfast; the ball tournament wrapped up; the Fifth Annual Choose 2 Live 5-kilometre run took place; kid’s ball hockey; teen volleyball; the Kids’ Fun Fair and a washer tournament closed the show.

“It’s been fantastic,” Fitzroy Harbour Community Association board member Tricia Peever told West Carleton Online while volunteering in the beer tent, Saturday. “We’ve had ideal weather and great attendance.”

Peever said Mayor Jim Watson, Councillor Eli El-Chantiry and all the politicians took time to drop by and say hi. Many area visitors love to participate in the three-pitch tournament but Harbour Days is for the residents.

“The whole reason we have these events is to bring this little community together,” Peever said. “The Friday night bash was awesome. Neighbours came out and got to hang out with one another.”

The event is hosted by the Fitzroy Harbour Community Association and Peever also wanted to thank the eight student volunteers who helped out throughout the weekend.