TERRACE BAY -- Although they almost lost their time capsule, Terrace Bay certainly isn’t lost in time. The town partied like it was 1999 as they celebrated their 75th Anniversary over a four-day weekend.
Friday’s 75th Anniversary opening ceremonies featured speeches from the Minister of Indigenous Services, MP Patty Hadju, MPP Dr. Lise Vaugeois , and Mayor Jodi Davis, who thanked the planning committee and the many volunteers for all their hard work. Raymond Goodchild from Pays Platt spoke about the importance of the water and performed a smudge ceremony, and long-time Terrace Bay resident, Gail Johnson, read a poem she’d written about the history of her town and all the changes it had gone through over the years.
The time capsule, which had been buried during the 50th anniversary celebration was opened to reveal newspaper clippings, toys, letters, jewelry, and many more nostalgic items from the 90s. The capsule had been moved when the new town hall was built, but its exact location had not been marked, so when the organizers of this year’s festival went looking for it, it could not be found. Diligence and determination won out in the end, however, when, at the last minute, someone dug a little deeper and a little to the right, and the capsule was discovered. A sigh of relief for sure!
Immediately following the opening ceremonies, the dignitaries moved across the street to the cenotaph for the unveiling of the two new bronze plaques bearing the names of all the Terrace Bay residents who served in the military since World War I.
Then it was on with the party! For the next 48 hours, residents and visitors enjoyed the exciting sights and sounds of the celebration There was something for all generations; the Superior Seniors club hosted a daily drop in and a pancake breakfast. The children enjoyed the bouncy castles, Zorb balls, face painting, clowns, and science experiments while the adults perused the goods at the artisan market and imbibed at the beer gardens. Yoga, Tai Chi and other self-care sessions were held throughout the weekend. Music, provided by DJ Dbl D, and live bands, including ‘The Sensational Hot Rods’ and ‘The Hoolies’ made the event even more festive.
Saturday’s beach party featured fun in the sun and sand. A guided hike took energetic walkers (and their dogs!) to Danny’s Cove. The watercraft rides were a big hit; the motorboat tour took passengers for a lovely tour of the coast, whilst the traditional long canoe saw more adventurous folks paddling out into Lake Superior in true voyageur fashion. Onshore you could find the Artisan market with its arts, crafts, and even a talented caricaturist, Brian Nieminen, from Thunder Bay.
Later that evening, the beach was lit up with dozens of small bonfires as far as the eye could see. Music, courtesy of Thunder Bay’s ‘Back Forty’ country band, wafted across the sand like smoke as friends and families chatted, roasted marshmallows and eagerly awaited the spectacular fireworks display that would cap off the amazing day of celebrations and memories.
Beautiful blue skies greeted the church-goers at an open-air service at the beach on Sunday morning. Lunch, courtesy of Parks Canada was served, followed by the festival’s closing ceremonies. Optimistic speeches, full of appreciation for the past and hope for the future, were made by the outgoing mayor and representatives of the various organizations and sponsors who worked on the project. A long red ribbon was cut to officially open Terrace Bay’s newest beach features, the Pavilion and boardwalk.
The committee would like to thank all the planners, volunteers, and many, many sponsors who spent time, money and effort in order to make Terrace Bay’s 75th Anniversary celebration a success. To view some of the memories of the festival and the history of the town, check out their Facebook page, or go to the Township’s official website.
Thanks for sharing your memories, and hope to see you all in another 25 years!