New Brunswick Day festivities return for another year with more events, said Shirley Dickinson, a member of the Covered Bridge Events committee. The four-day event will be highlighted by the massive New Brunswick Day Market featuring up to 250 vendors and food eateries in the bridge and adjacent parking lots.
”Organizers expect 6,500 to 7,000 people to attend,” Dickinson said.
The celebrations, which began in 2015, coincide with New Brunswick Day. The events will run from Friday, July 31 to Monday, Aug. 3, with jam-packed days of activities for the whole family.
Friday, July 31
Picnic Lunch on the Bridge, 5:30 p.m.: Hungry participants dine on the bridge and browse historical Hartland pictures. Participants receive a souvenir thermal lunch bag. Line up on the bridge ramp before the lunch begins.
Tug of War, 6 p.m.: Pavilion green, south of the Hartland Baptist Church. Men’s Division (8 pullers) and Women’s Division (6 pullers). $50 per team.
Dance with Zach Peters and Band, 9 p.m.: Kick off the weekend with live music and dancing under the summer sky. Starts at 9 p.m. behind the library and ends at 12 a.m.
Drone Light Show on the Waterfront, Dusk: Drone light show over the river, sponsored by the Hartland community.
Saturday, Aug. 1
Hartland Farmers Market, 9 a.m to 4 p.m.: Next to CK’s restaurant on Main Street. Visitors can browse local produce, makers, and treats along the riverbank.
Covered Bridge 3 vs 3 Basketball Competition, 9 a.m.: At the Day & Ross Community Centre, divisions: U12 free; U14/U16/U18/U25 $25; U35/U50 $35. Followed by a 3-point competition and foul shooting ($5 per event).
Hartland Parade, 3 p.m. Starting at the Hartland Community School and ending at Walton’s Car Wash. Parade theme is the 125th Anniversary of the Covered Bridge with categories such as: Businesses/Commercial, Theme Related, Humorous, and Overall.
Dance with the Down River Band, then Greg Albright and Band, 5 to 9 p.m.: Hartland covered bridge area.
Old-Fashioned Carleton County Bean, Salad & Pig Roast Dinner, 5:30 p.m.: Pig roast throughout the day behind the library, then enjoy a field-to-table dinner served in the bridge.
Sunday, Aug. 2
Inter-Denominational Church Service, 10 a.m.: Hosted by the Ministerial Association at 10 a.m. in the library parking lot, with special music from surrounding churches. Bring your own chair and water. Luncheon to follow at the Baptist Church Gym.
Bridge to Bridge Race, Run Through History- 1 p.m.: Somerville Bridge Park. Family run/walk 1K ($10 per family), 5K ($25 each), and 12.82K ($25 each). Bring your own water.
Monday, Aug. 3
11th Annual New Brunswick Day Market, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Up to 250 vendors and food eateries line the Covered Bridge and parking lots from 9 a.m. To 4 p.m. Historical pictures on display on the bridge; antique vehicles on Main Street.
Official Welcome 11 a.m.: Welcome from the Hartland Mayor, Councillors, and invited dignitaries at the library.
Elizabeth Lunnie’s Quilting Corner, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Ten quilts will be judged, with one recognized as the winner. The winners will be announced at 3 p.m. in the library parking lot.
Hole in One, “Shore to Score”, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Hit a ball from the shore across the river to a target set at 110 yards. Three balls for $10 — bring your favourite club; golf clubs available on site. First confirmed hole-in-one wins $1,282. Adjacent to the library parking lot.
Children’s events, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Variety of children’s crafts, face painting, balloons, and more in the library parking lot.
Entertainment 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Library parking lot will feature a variety of musical performers.
Colour Run 11:30 a.m.: Behind the Tourist Bureau, all ages welcome and cooled off by the Hartland Fire Dept. giant sprinkler.
Hartland Culture on the Green, Fine Arts Show & Sale: Artists painting on site starting at 9 a.m. in Charles Allen Park.
The Covered Bridge will be closed to traffic the weekend for a historical walk-through featuring photos and memories from years gone by.
