Planning underway for Burnt Islands come home year

Burnt Islands is again calling home all expatriates.

The town will celebrate its third come home year from Aug. 7 to 14 and plans are well underway for many events.

Previous come home years were held in 1995 and 2005, but committee member Colleen King said people in the community asked not to wait another 10 years. She said people felt it was too long to wait.

Organizers expect the town's population will almost double during the festivities. Burnt Islands has about 700 regular residents, a number that hasn't changed much since the last come home year, and about 500 people are expected to come home during the week.

The organizing committee started meeting in the fall of 2008 and have been working on their plans ever since. Among the planned events are a scavenger hunt, amazing race, skeet shoot and Christmas in August.

Different community organizations have also come forward to hold their own come home year events, including the recreation committee, ACW, vestry and lodge.

Meta Keeping said the committee is trying to ensure there are activities for every age group planned for each day.

Other activities on the itinerary are a seniors' day, sports day, crafts for children, parade and opening ceremonies. There is entertainment planned for each night including Darren Durnford, A. Frank Willis, Bernie and the Boys and the Isle aux Morts Boys.

Mrs. Keeping said the committee is getting a lot of support from the community, especially in terms of support for their fundraising activities.

Committee members include: Colleen King, Meta Keeping, Pam Jean, Sharon Lawrence, Valettta Harris, Tammy Herritt, Faye Munden, Marie Thorne, Lorette Munden, Genine Keeping, Shelia Munden, Sherry-Lynn Crouncher and Lois Keeping.

For more information call Meta Keeping at 698-3085 or Valetta Harris at 698-3890.

editor@gulfnews.ca