Happy Canada Day everyone!
We have some friends that have lived in the Cedar/Yellow Point area for many years. When we moved to this property last summer, our friends said ‘Oh, you will be members of the Fish Club!” We had never heard of this fabled club before and were soon told the story.
Back in the 1950’s, several families from Nanaimo bought large tracts of land along the waterfront in this part of Cedar. Back then this was a long way from town and very remote. They started have a yearly salmon derby in July and a pot luck dinner in the winter. You had to live on certain roads to be invited. Thus the Fish Club was born.
We attended the AGM in February and offered the use of our property for the summer picnic. The Social Committee assured us that they would supply everything and it always goes off like clockwork. Plus, they had never had rain on picnic day which is always the July 1 holiday. And they were right!
Bright and early Canada Day morning, the committee arrived to set up the tables, and prep the coffee pots. Neighour Tom brought over his barbecue by tractor and trailer.
Neighbour James was out walking his horses and stopped by for a chat over the fence.
We opened the gates at the far end of the yard so people could come in that way, pay their fees and get a name tag. Nice decorations to go with our Canadian flag that flies on the patio.
We had lots of different seating areas setup so people could be comfortable in the shade. My sister did a great job recovering these cushions for me. Thanks Patty!
We soon had around 60 people milling about, visiting and getting caught up.
Bannock and Haggis were a terrific musical trio that played for us throughout the afternoon.
Since our street is a dead end it was neat to see so many cars parked along it.
It has been wonderful getting to know all these people. A lot of them have known each other for more than 40 years so it is fascinating to sit and listen to the stories being told and appreciate all the friendships that have endured. One of the ladies in this photo used to own our property and I am grateful to get to know her and discuss the gardens and trees.
Here is the barbecue crew gearing up for some hot and frantic flipping. Had to keep them well stocked with beverages. They did a great job.
Everyone brought a delicious variety of salads and desserts. I am glad that this patio area worked out so well for serving all the food.
It turned out to be our first hot summer day and everything did indeed go like clockwork. (Well, except for the part of the day where I almost burned the house down, but that is another post.) ;(
I am glad that our yard offered a variety of shady seating areas where people could relax, enjoy themselves and get caught up. We are very happy to belong to the Fish Club and really appreciate the honest sense of community that exists in this area.
See everyone in November. Cheers!