Not just there for the fishing

Whether you went for the fish, the hypnotist, the food or the music–chances were no one was disappointed this weekend.
The activities ranged from kids’ dance recitals to karate to minnow races to live local bands at night.
“We had a good mix of everything–there was something for everyone,” said Linda Plumridge, director of angler services. “I think (entertainment director Sherry Kaun) did a very good job.”
The event started out with Tuesday night’s boat parade, which drew people out of their homes to line the parade route down Scott, Victoria and Front Streets.
“We’ve come to watch the boats with our tongues hanging out,” laughed Peter Bond. “We’re here for the free candy, too.”
Teenagers were pleased with the Much Music Teen Dance on Wednesday night. Plumridge said about 380 kids showed up for that.
The variety of food was appreciated as well. Besides Safeway’s bar-b-que, each nigh featured a meal served by a local organization.
“There’s lots of variety,” said Dave Thornton at the Business Women’s Network cooked ham supper on Thursday night.
“Since they aren’t serving fish, this is second best,” Jacques Fafard added.
The next big crowd-pleaser was Shania Twin, who filled the tent at the Sorting Gap Marina with enthusiastic dancers and clappers.
“Shania went over quite well,” Plumridge said. She estimated that about 1,700 people attended the concert.
Kids weren’t disappointed, either: throughout the four days of the tournament, minnow races and paddleboat fishing contests added to the fun of the kids’ tent.
Magician and hypnotist Tyson Paley was a huge draw on Friday night.
“He’s a favourite, he comes back every year,” said Sherry Kaun in an earlier interview. “They love him. It’s fun for kids and adults.”
The event ended on a good note: besides the weigh-ins that day, a bunch of other activities drew a crowd. Kids lined up for the minnow races and took part in the pizza-eating contest. There were dance lessons for kids, and a game of “Name That Tune” drew a good number of teams out.
Spectators were impressed by the karate demonstration, and the day ended with the band Shivers.
“The people who went were happy,” Plumridge reflected. “We tried to have a good balance for everyone.”