After everything their community has been through in recent years, Wheatley residents had a big reason to celebrate this past weekend.
A large crowd was on hand for Fish Fest, a long-standing multi-day event featuring many activities highlighting the area’s economy and heritage.
The festival had been absent since the pandemic began two years ago. Then came last summer’s gas leaks and subsequent explosion in the downtown core, impacting dozens of homes and businesses, while resulting in a lengthy mitigation process.
“We have been anticipating this Wheatley Fish Festival since 2020 … We are overwhelmed with our community support,” co-organizer Hilary Hodgson said. “Our town has never let us down. We are ‘Wheatley Strong.’”
On Friday, there was a smoked fish contest and dance, with Saturday featuring a tug-of-war over the harbour, tote box race, treasure hunt, vendors and a sold-out dinner, along with The Jody Raffoul Band.
A breakfast took place Sunday, with a boat parade and fireworks also planned.
Despite the various challenges it has experienced, Hodgson said the town is in good spirits.
“Definitely more optimistic,” she said. “This is the kickstart to our summer. We’re only going to go up from here. The town is starting to open up. More and more businesses are opening up.
“This is exactly what we needed to celebrate as a community together.”
She expects next year’s festival to be even bigger, noting the committee has “so many more great ideas.”
Brock Larade, of the team the ‘Mother Tuggers,’ who won their pull competition, said the event was no easy feat.
“It was rough,” he said with a laugh. “We dug in. The boys showed up.”
Even though he didn’t get pulled into the harbour, Larade jumped in at the end to cool off.
Although he said there is still much work left for the community to do, he believes the well-attended festival definitely helped.
“It’s really good for the town and to see the community support,” he said. “People are starting to feel a bit of relief.”