Festival fun
The 2019 Art on the Waterfront festival was held on June 1 and 2. While the rain slowed things down on Sunday, there was a great turnout on Sat., June 1. Participants in the 2019 Telus Ride for Dad can be seen turning onto Queen Street, while vendors in the street and on the side of the Nation River area are easily seen. Thompson Goddard photo
From the left, Joanne Barber, Michelle Fawcett, Cheryl Beasley, Margaret MacDonald, Michael Houston (Tic), Taunya Van Allen and Darcy Paquet are shown immediately following the opening ceremonies of the 2019 Art on the Waterfront festival.
Thompson Goddard photo
CHESTERVILLE – Since 2010, Cheryl Beasley and her group of dedicated organizers have been providing people from near and far with the opportunity to enjoy a free festival that celebrates the creativity of our artists, artisans, writers and performers.
The annual Art on the Waterfront event was held on June 1 and 2 this year and turned the usually quiet village square in Chesterville into a beehive of activity featuring over 40 vendors, dancing presentations, a demonstration from Therien Martial Arts & Fitness Centre and local organizations providing a bite to eat at the gazebo. Visitors enjoyed the full lineup of activities all while visiting with friends. Across the river in the old town square a refreshment tent and portable stage were set up to allow for the enjoyment of musical entertainment, including a talent show held on the main stage Sunday morning. Both days featured a full lineup of talented musicians.
The Kids’ Zone, located in a grassy field behind Louis’ Restaurant, featured a variety of activities for the youngsters including face painting, a booth from the SDG County Library, creative activities and a selection of children’s entertainers. The rain on Sunday necessitated the closing of the Kids’ Zone, however, Beasley explained the children’s entertainment was moved into The Gathering House.
During the opening ceremonies, Beasley thanked local businesses, the Township of North Dundas, SDG Tourism, Ottawa Special Events and TD Canada Trust for all their support and assistance in the planning of this event.
Beasley and her team of volunteers are to be congratulated for their successful Art on the Waterfront festival. When asked why she continues to facilitate the running of this community event, without hesitation, Beasley replied it was, “because I believe in the community and want to give something back to it.”
Carolyn Thompson Goddard, grew up in Chesterville and attended North Dundas District High School. After completing her BA in Political Science at Carleton University she has worked as a medical secretary and library technician. In 2020 she graduated from Algonquin College with a diploma in Journalism and has been a reporter and column writer for The Chesterville Record for over 10 years.
