Thursday August 23rd; With 150 pounds of fresh Lobster flying in first thing and 75 pounds of AAA NY Strip it was a busy day in the kitchen and a hectic night around the barbe, and hovering over the pots. Thank you to our cooks, servers, head chef Alf, and our cast of teens who shuttled all that food upstairs during Bay Days Steak and Lobster. Unfortunately we couldn’t pry the crustaceans away from the photographer long enough to catch some pics. Probably just as well, the claws and garlic butter were flying everywhere. A special thank you to Jill Ross and the Keystrings for bringing the perfect sound to kick off the Bay Days music line-up with their post-dinner performance on the main hall stage.

Friday August 24th; The 24th Street Wailers opened for the David Gogo Bandfor an amazing concert under the stars.

Saturday August 25th; There really can be too much action.

Our Classic Bay Days – Day on the Beach kicked off first with a cannon blast as the tall ship Black Jack arrived off the point and Samual de Champlain and his entourage were rowed ashore for a few front page moments. It was perfect weather for the Sandcastle contest and all manor of races. Congratulations to all participants and everyone who completed the treasure hunt. By early evening the crew of the Black Jack was bidding farewell to the last of its hundred and something visitors. A very special thank you to Jane Currie, Andy Wurzler, Heather Lucente and the other two-dozen volunteers who made it a perfect day.

Champlain and his crew pose with Sandhills co-chairs Eli El Chantiry and Ian Glen on the beach in Constance Bay. Courtesy of David Johnston.

U tube moments– Meanwhile, back at the centre, Skatejam with a little Sumo Wrestling, Wrecking Ball, and Jousting were underway. Skatejam was presented by the City of Ottawa Youth Conexxions and Top of the World. If you have any pics please send them along.

BlackJack– With the tall ship anchored off the Point the crew was busy setting the other black-jack up in the centre’s main hall. Many thanks to our trainers, 16 dealers, and crew.

The Stephen Thomas Band – Closing out our Saturday the band took the outdoor stage for a wonderful evening of music and dancing under the stars. Unfortunately our photographer had difficulty playing in the band and taking pictures simultaneously; if you have some, please send them along.

Sunday August 26th; Bay Days went to the Dogs on Sunday and a good crowd came out to watch the Bay Days Just for Fun Dog Show. Thank yous go out to Tracey Bloom and team, the Arnprior Humane Society, and WAG for a fun and entertaining day.

Monday August 27th; It was another perfect evening to be outside as Megan Goodkey and friends cooked up the popcorn for a small crowd at Outdoor Movie Night. Megan wins the Bay Days most events award for organizing 2 Kids Night Out events and the Outdoor Movie Night… and just plain working like a dog…. thanks Megan.

Tuesday August 28th; Bay Days moved indoors for more food as George, Claudia and the crew from La Osteria took over for mediteranean Pasta Night. In both ways it was a full house and a great time was had by all. A very special thank you to the Culjak family for coming to Constance Bay and being a such a supportive part of our community.

Wednesday August 29th; SRO-Standing Room Only took the stage in the Constance Bay Community Centre Main Hall for one of Bay Days’ most highly anticipated events. Thank you to all 16 members of SRO for bringing the big band sounds and swing back to the Bay. Once more the dining crew was in action as chef Alf prepared fish and chips the way it was in the old days – absolutely perfect.