If you want an excuse to take another long weekend off in August, look no further than Terrace Bay’s fantastic Lighthouse Festival, taking place on Friday, August 16. It’s the 12th year for the festival and organizers are saying that this will be the best one yet so plan to make the scenic drive along the North Shore of Lake Superior to one of the prettiest communities in Northern Ontario. The festival starts at 1 p.m. Friday and ends in the wee hours of Saturday morning. Let the fun and festivities begin!

Celebrating an Icon

 

The focal point for the celebrations is Terrace Bay’s iconic lighthouse, located in the heart of the community. Built in 2011, the Terrace Bay lighthouse stands as a 50 ft. replica of the lighthouse on the Slate Islands Provincial Park which is the highest elevated lighthouse on the Great Lakes, at 224 feet above sea level. The Township of Terrace Bay lighthouse stands as a symbol to the community’s long-standing connection with Lake Superior, the Slate Islands and the majestic woodland caribou that reside there.

People love to climb to the top and admire the views of Lake Superior, Slate Island, the terraced cliffs that gave the town its name and the forests.

The Artisan Market

The popular artisan street market will take place in Simcoe Plaza, not far from the lighthouse from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m. This is your opportunity to pick up some one-of-a-kind treasures from an array of talented local and regional artisans and artists. Making sure you don’t go hungry as you shop, there will be lots of food and beverages available in the plaza area, provided by local restaurants and food trucks. Visit Drifter’s Restaurant, Wah’s Restaurant, Subway and Mo & Jo’s Lighthouse Variety as well as food vendors The Orchard Café, The Golden Rail, El Comal, Twisted Treats and K & R Northshore Fries.

You won’t want to miss the sidewalk sale either where local businesses offer their deals of the day.

Then, if you’ve worked up a thirst from all that fun, you can head over to Drifter’s Lounge and Slate Islands Brewery for some beer tastings.

Cheers to Beer

 

The festival beer gardens will be the place to meet old friends and make some new ones from 1 p.m. to 2 a.m. The fully licensed bar is provided courtesy of local community groups. Age of majority proof will be required, smoking is not permitted and the tent closes to minors at 9:30 p.m.

For the safety and convenience of festival goers, the Schreiber shuttle bus starts at 9 p.m. and runs on the hour until 1 a.m.  The shuttle starts at the Drifters Parking Lot and drops passengers off at The Voy. Remember to drink responsibly – and have fun!

First Class – Car/Motorcycle Show & Shine

From 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. in Simcoe Plaza will be another crowd pleaser, the Annual Car/Motorcycle Show and Shine. Check out the beautiful vehicles & motorcycles, chat with their proud owners and cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award.

Fun in the Park

Young adventurers – and grown ups ones too – always have a blast at Fun in the Park, held from 2 – 7 p.m. Remember to bring your swimsuits to enjoy the water slide and don’t miss the huge bouncy castles for more fun.

The lovable clowns Dottie and Lulu spread laughter wherever they go, and the Lighthouse Festival will be no exception.  They will be busy painting faces and sculpting balloons in the park.

Music to Your Ears – A Full Day of Music

Starting at 3:00 p.m. and going strong until one a.m., the live stage show will treat your ears to some great music.

The Curbside Cruisers will kick things off from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. These local favourites feature classic rock hits and they’re a definite crowd pleaser.

Throwback, the hottest band in Thunder Bay, will be on stage from 8 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. They cover country tunes and 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and current music that will have everyone on their feet dancing. Not only was Throwback rated one of the top cover bands in Thunder Band and Hottest Band in Northwestern Ontario, but their singer Chris Talarico was named best singer and best country singer in Northwestern Ontario.

Terrace Bay’s own D.J. Derek Boucher aka D.J. Dbbl D will also be playing music all day long.

New This Year – Corn Hole Tourney!

Get ready to test your skills at this summer favourite. The tourney starts at 5 p.m. in Simcoe Plaza and there is no charge to enter.  Open to all ages, the tourney offers some great prizes.  Register the day of the event by 4pm at the Terrace Bay Tent.

In Control

The whole family will want to take in the demonstration by the Terrace Bay Radio Control Club at Simcoe Plaza from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Precision and speed are showcased at this exciting event.

Make Plans Now

Make your plans now to head to Terrace Bay on the third Friday of August for the Terrace Bay Lighthouse Festival. Join in the celebrations with music, local food, arts and crafts, fireworks, playground fun and much more against the iconic lighthouse backdrop. It’s a beloved annual tradition that celebrates this Northern Ontario town’s beauty and maritime history.

For more information and updates, go to https://visitterracebay.ca/terrace-bay-events