Festival on the Bend continues to be ‘totally tubular’
The lilting sounds of laughter were accompanied by sweet and savoury smells from vendors’ stands as live music created the perfect backdrop for the busiest day of Nackawic-Millville’s Festival on the Bend.
The festival, formerly called Nackawic Community Days, has been a summer go-to event for almost fifty years. This year’s theme, Back to the ’80s, was a huge focus at every event from Aug. 15 to 19.
Kicking off the week was a special bingo at the Lion’s Club, followed by the Little Miss Nackawic-Millville Pageant and the Cutest Baby Contest. The week included wrestling, compliments of Ultimate Championship Westling, and the first Miss Nackawic-Millville Pageant. (See our pageant stories on this website.)
Saturday was a jam-packed opportunity to celebrate community. The day’s events began at 8:30 a.m. with a community yard sale at Kirk Church. A multitude of items were present, with things being sold by donations.
Then, at 11 a.m., the annual street parade began, with many floats present. The most impressive floats present won various cash prizes, with the Little Rock Curling Club getting first, Hawkshaw Loves the 80s winning second, and Lib’s Little Timber taking third place.
Apart from the scheduled events, many things were happening throughout the day, such as Go Go Bounce & What’s Popping Freddy setting up a kid’s inflatable area. Many vendors were operating both in and outside the arena, including HaliMac Axe Throwing, offering the chance to try the sport. You could spend some time at the dunk tank operating in front of the arena, at the Science East booth, or visit Llama-zing Adventures, bringing a herd of lamas onto a hill near the stadium for people to enjoy.
At noon, O Canada was performed on the main stage by Brooklyn Morehouse and Delilah Sawatzky.
In the afternoon, various entertainers took to the arena stage, starting with Ewan Dobson playing guitar, then progressing to Jessie Campbell performing magic, continuing with the band The Martin Boys, then to Sher McIntosh Line Dancing before ending with the New Brunswick Country Showcase.
That evening, a Bean and Salad Supper was offered, and there was a free corn boil at the Lions Club, sponsored by Ryan’s Pharmacy.
A Country Jamboree was held at the Lions Club with the band John Stairs and Friends.
The band Double D took to the stage at the Big Axe Brewery and played until the fireworks were set to start. Sadly, the end-of-festival light show was postponed due to the weather.
