Brockville Riverfest

Refugee Island

It was the tail end of the Canada Day Weekend and we were headed east, on a beautiful sunny morning, to Brockville and the Brockville Riverfest. The trip from Cobourg to Brockville takes about 2 ½ hours, so we arrived in Brockville at around noon. The festival was taking place on Refugee Island which is located right in the heart of the downtown area on the St. Lawrence River. Brockville is a scenic historic city and this venue was perfect for their Riverfest! We parked our car on the main street and then walked down a steep hill to the festival entrance. We introduced ourselves to one of the organizers, Cathy TeKamp. She was able to tell us about the history of Riverfest and point us in the right direction for all the activities! As we entered the park we noticed all the big boats moored at the docks! It was an amazing sight. So much seemed to be happening, it was difficult to take it all in!

Along the Walkway to the Dogs!

From the entrance there was a long winding road. After we had passed a stage area on our left and the midway on our right, the path narrowed and on either side of us was water. Several large boats were moored at the docks in the harbour. A number of booths had been set up along the west side of the road. These included several food booths. One of the more interesting booths was renting kayaks! With so many kayaks on the water, this must have been a popular attraction! Continuing our walk along the path the noise of a chain saw filled the air. A Chain Saw Sculpture demonstration was in progress. Finally we reached the main park area. Here several Brockville Riverfest activities were taking place. To our right a climbing wall had been erected and several climbing enthusiasts were part way up. At the farthest part of the park was to 1000 Island Dock Dogs competition. A large wooden “dock” had been set up with a long pool at its end. The object of the competition was to have each competitor (dog) race along the dock and then jump into the water as far as possible. On the far side of the pool we could see measurement marks. These were there for the judges to determine the length of each dogs jump! Each dog was brought to the dock by its handler. The handler would then prepare the dog for its “mighty” jump. On the handlers command (usually a favourite toy being thrown into the water), the dog would charge, or in some cases walk, to the end of the dock and then leap into the water. In many cases the leap would match the distance that the toy was thrown. Everyone there, dogs and humans alike, enjoyed the competition!

After the Dogs!

Just to the east of the 1000 Island Dock Dogs competition, a martial arts demonstration was taking place. The Thunder Demo Team was on hand to execute their skills. The Team, in their demonstration, showed us varying degrees of martial art moves. We watched the Team perform for a while and then moved to the nearby Petting Zoo. After investigating all the animals, we walked further down the pathway back to the main entrance. Near the 1000 Island Cruises ticket office, a “roving Dixieland band” had set up shop! The Kings of the Swingers were in “full swing”, entertaining all of us who had gathered around them! It was great entertainment! From the “Swingers” we continued back to the main entrance and to the main Stage area. When we arrived, the Thrill Dancers were just completing their dance routines. Once the Thrill Dancers had left the stage, the Island Voices lined up to begin their performance. We stayed to listen to a number of their selections and then left the Brockville Riverfest for the long drive home.