River Days Festival coming Aug 25

Three days of fun and excitement are about to start along the shores of the Stanley River in Stanley Bridge. The 15th Annual River Days Festival kicks off on Friday, Aug 25 and runs till Sunday, Aug 27.
Look for many beloved events and activities to return, including the boat parade and bridge lighting Saturday night, accompanied by fireworks and entertainment. Come down to the Stanley Bridge wharf as darkness descends and watch boats lit up like floating Christmas trees drift past the bridge.
River Days features a full lineup of outstanding events that includes live bands, the Stanley Bridge Centre’s Saturday farmer’s market, Mussels on the Wharf (Friday), bridge jumping (Sunday) and a barbecue hosted by the Trout River Environmental Committee (Sunday) . TREC is also hosting a “Find the Fishes” event on Saturday to help participants learn more about lives in the area’s rivers and bays.
Several dignitaries will officially open the festival on Friday at 5:30 pm at the Stanley Bridge Marina and Shops. Lots of cake, mussels and music will be on tap for the celebrations.
Carr’s Oyster Bar will be rocking during the festival and Sutherlands is hosting a special Sunday breakfast. The New London Community Complex will host a pancake breakfast (Sunday) and the Inn at the Pier has kayak rental specials and para sailing during the festival.
Other events include the Tommy Gallant Memorial Big Catch competition (and awards) on Saturday, a presentation led by Dr. Irene Novaczek discussing the environmental history of PEI called “Time and a Place” (Sunday at the WI) and a potato stamp art free workshop for kids and kids at heart, held at the newly opened Lupin stores at the wharf (Sunday). For more details visit www.carrspei.ca or call 902-886-3355.
Photos from the 2016 River Days Festival




Story and photos by Jim Brown.
Jim Brown can be reached at peijim@hotmail.com