The forecast calls for sunshine, boats and fun this weekend at Orillia’s waterfront.
The popular annual Orillia Waterfront Festival kicks off today at noon and runs all weekend at the Port of Orillia.
“This is the 32nd year for this event which started out as a boat show and has evolved into what has become a large festival for cottaging and boating and outdoor recreation enthusiasts,” said event organizer Doug Bunker. “There’s something for everyone.”
The event still has a focus on boating. Bunker said there will be more than 60 boats of varying shapes and sizes parked at the docks, just waiting for people to take a tour.
“There is everything from kayaks to cruisers,” said Bunker, noting it’s an ideal place for curious boat shoppers to come on board and check out what’s new. “There’s a big selection with many different types of boats.”
While many will be drawn to the docks, there is also lots happening on land. Bunker said there are more than 100 vendors and exhibitors that will offer everything from boating accessories, water sport equipment, cottage and outdoor products, summer fashions and much more.
“This year, we also have a cache of artists here who make their own jewelry and things like that,” Bunker explained. “We also have local artist Paul Baxter, who has done murals around town, set up in the pavilion and he is bringing some of his artist friends, so there will be a small enclave of artists there as well.”
In addition, there’s an appetizing menu of food vendors – including one that offers something entirely unique, Bunker said, salivating at the prospect of enjoying a food he fell in love with last year: Porchetta.
“They cook a whole pig, it’s deboned and then the meat is sealed back up with Italian spices and cooked in smoker … it’s to die for,” said Bunker.
“That’s what we try to do: we try to bring in unique vendors who are creative and do things that amaze people,” said Bunker.
Along that line, you might see Elmo racing around the waterfront on a flyboard. “It’s essentially a wakeboard with jets on the bottom and the guy, to attract families, dresses in an Elmo outfit and when people see Elmo out jet-skiing, they are pretty amazed.”
People also can’t help but smile during the Dock Dogs Diving Contest. People are encouraged to bring their dog, register their canine and allow their pet to jump off a dock under the watchful eye of judges in the pursuit of applause and prizes.
“We put in a dock that is low in the water, it has a ramp and it’s by the federal dock,” said Bunker. “People can stand along the dock and watch and cheer … it’s giggles and smiles all around.”
This will be the third year for the dog-centric event. It started with 17 and, last year, the number ballooned to 29. Bunker expects even more this weekend. Dogs will jump Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
One of the focal points of the three-day festival is the cardboard boat race, which always draws a huge crowd to the port; the event goes Sunday at noon.
“People love this event. They love to see the crazy cardboard creations people have made and, of course, they love to see the boats sink,” said Bunker, with a laugh. “Each year, we hand out the coveted Titanic award to honour the most spectacular sinking.”
The Orillia Waterfront Festival runs from noon until 8 p.m. today, 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Sunday.
“It’s free parking and free admission and there’s something for everyone,” said Bunker. “Come on down!”
