festival

On September 21, 1992, Mayor Elizabeth Barron and council called representatives from community organizations to plan a summer festival for Fox Harbour. At the first meeting, it was decided that a three day event would be held during the last weekend of July. The first festival took place in July of 1993, and proved to be such a success that every year on that same weekend the Fox Harbour Festival is held. Residents and former residents eagerly look forward to this time of reminising, socializing and celebrating.

From there the parade around the harbour begins led by the mayor, town cryer and flag bearer. Various floats, fire trucks from Fox Harbour and neighbouring communities, followed by a flotilla of vechicles slowly wend its way around the town, finally culminating at the parish hall.

Saturday is devoted to a softball tournament, limited to players of 30 years and older. On this occasion softball stars return to their home Community for a friendly competition. Memories are evoked and acquaintances renewed, as the players show they still have the spirit that made Fox Harbour known as The Softball Capital of Newfoundland. Prizes are awarded to the winning team and each player goes away with a memento of the day and many fond memories of another great day of softball in Fox Harbour.

Sunday afternoon is devoted to the folk festival aspect of the weekend and brings the festival weekend to a close. It usually takes place outdoors on a specially constructed stage. The afternoon begins with a local band gettting things off to a toe-tapping start. Local talent such as junior and senior square dance groups; traditional music and song; accordion solos; step dancers; are a big part of the afternoon. Through the years we have brought in various acts to entertain e.g., St. Pat's Dancers; Senior Square Dancers from St. John's as well as a variety of children's entertainers. Musicians and singers from neighbouring communities also participate by sharing their talents in music, song and dance. Darrell Duke, son of a former resident, takes great pride in celebrating his Fox Harbour roots. He has illustrated this by composing a number of selections that immortalize the community and events in its history e.g., The Story of the Annie Healy. Darrell's grandfather along with six other men from the community lost their lives when their fishing schooner Annie Healy sank in the August Gale on August 25, 1927.

Officially the festival concludes at 5:00 p.m. with the singing of the "Ode to Newfoundland." However, it is not unusual for guests to linger on as the party mood continues. Late comers drop by to join in and contribute to the merriment. Gradually everyone drifts off with a feeling of satisfaction of a delightful weekend and an eager anticipation of next year's festival.

There a delicious meal, prepared by the people of the town, is served. This is followed by the opening ceremonies, which each year feature a theme pertinent to the particular year. e.g. Volunteers, The Millennium, Come Home Year, etc. These ceremonies are followed by a dance, which goes on to the wee hours of the morning, with more socializing and renewing of old friendships.