Haliburton Rotary is telling County residents to circle Aug. 6 on their calendars as the local service club prepares to bring Rotary Summerfest back to Head Lake Park.
The annual event has been a community staple for more than 60 years, but this iteration comes with a twist, explains Rotarian Ursula Devolin. Unlike homecomings and carnivals from yesteryear, Summerfest will allow an array of Highlands-based talent and businesses to take centre stage.
Rotary has put out a call for community partners to come forward with ideas for games, presentations, and other features to keep people busy on the day. The idea is to make these offerings free to the public, and help direct hundreds of eyes towards County businesses, entertainers, and entrepreneurs.
“We love that this new format is dynamic and affordable for families. Our call for partners engages the creativity of our entire population – anyone can offer a game, craft, or challenge that will bring laughter and joy to families,” Devolin said. “These unique offerings will make this event truly special.”
After taking an enforced hiatus during the pandemic, Devolin said Rotary had a tough time finding operators to bring a midway back to town when Summerfest returned in 2022. It’s meant the club has had to pivot to find new ways to keep the public engaged and entertained.
They have merged Summerfest festivities with the popular Music in the Park, a weekly concert series on Tuesday nights at the Haliburton bandshell. Jeff Moulton and friends will take to the stage Aug. 6 from 7 to 9 p.m. There will be a children’s show prior, with The Stunt Ventriloquist performing from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
There will be complimentary cotton candy and popcorn in the park from 4 to 8 p.m., coinciding with the partner event. Following recent tradition, Rotary will be BBQing up a storm throughout the event, offering beef on a bun and hot dogs for purchase.
During the musical intermission, at 8 p.m., the club will reveal the winner of its annual car draw, while also bringing out a cake to celebrate Rotary’s 80th anniversary in Haliburton.
“The week around Civic Day has always seen former Haliburton residents flock back to reconnect with family and friends and participate in local events – families can expect the same homecoming feeling they’ve always gotten from Rotary summer events,” Devolin said. “I’ve attended these events all my life… I’ve always loved doing an annual check-in with schoolmates who return each year.
And best of all, “kids can expect a lot of fun,” Devolin added.
Anyone interested in partnering with Rotary can contact Devolin at ursuladevolin@gmail. com. Materials for any activity, as well as staffing it, will be the responsibility of the individual vendors, she said.
Possible activities include a sidewalk chalk station, giant Jenga game, obstacle course, egg and spoon race, craft table, dance performance, musical offering, juggling tutorial, putting game, or bubble blowing. Devolin said partners can also pay to supply entertainment, such as a bouncy castle or animal show.
“The goal is to create a fabulously diverse Summerfest for children,” she said.
