Francois Days growing

For years, the south coast outport has Celebrated Francois day, or Francois days in august.

This year festival organizer Christine Durnford said the events were spread over three days.

“We decided this coming year it should be called ‘The Francois Festival,’” said Mrs. Durnford.

By spreading out the events over several days, Mrs. Durnford said the atmosphere is less rushed, and everyone in the community has more time to enjoy the activities.

Events this year included games for youth and adults, dory races, live music and community meals.

Mrs. Durnford said many tourists turned up for the events, including two sail boats.

“One fellow got up and said it was one of the best places he’d ever been. He said, ‘Perhaps I’ll never be back here again but when I go away I’ll be spreading the word about Francois,’” she said.

Events kicked off on Aug. 19 with Kids’ Day. Mrs. Durnford said after a lunch at the community centre, the youth dory races were held. She said organizers Alex Courtney and Sheena Durnford then took the children to the playground to play ‘Minute to Win It’ based on a popular TV game show.

The evening ended off with a game of ‘The Amazing Race’ for youth, music by Darren Durnford

Friday’s events included a conner catching contest form the wharf. Adults and children tried their luck. Ann Courtney had the biggest fish and Gwen Durnford had the smallest for the adults. Celine Russell caught the biggest for the children and Tanya Andrews had the smallest.

On Friday children also took part in a fish walk. In that game, adults from the community played the part of fish. Dice rolls determined how many steps they could take forward, and kids tried to pick who would win the race.

On Saturday, people took part in the games of chance, a mock jail, the adult dory races and a pot luck dinner. People also turned out for an afternoon talent show.

Music Saturday evening was again provided by Darren Durnford.

Mrs. Durnford said local MHA Tracey Perry was planning to attend but was unable to make it due to weather.

Although the final numbers are not yet tabulated, all money raised from the evets will go towards upkeep of the community centre and expenses at next year’s festival.

Mrs. Durnford said her fellow members of the organizing committee, Allison Skinner, Linda Fudge and Darren Durnford, put in many hours to make the event a success, and she thanked everyone in the community for coming out to take part.