Busy Waterfront Weekend
By John Swartz
The waterfront was the place to be this past weekend. Everything started with the first run of the Rotary train at noon Saturday. During the break the last two summers sections of the track were rebuilt and the ride through the tunnel has been spruced up with lighting and decorated with cartoon characters and figures.
The summer season for the train starts July 1 and the ride will cost $5 for two trips around the circuit. The train runs Thursdays through Sundays and holiday Mondays from noon to 5 p.m.
The Port of Orillia was North Pole central for the return of the annual Christmas in June event. Boaters decorated their crafts with lights, inflatables and tinsel to celebrate summer.
Harbourmaster and executive director of the Chamber of Commerce, Allan Lafonataine, said every slip was rented and they had a waiting list for boaters to rent a slip four months ago.
The Rotary Club also operated a beer tent with proceeds going toward the costs of refurbishing the Aqua Theatre. In the evening, the Ronnie Douglas Blues Band played music in the gazebo next to the beer tent.
On that note, the first event of the new look Aqua Theatre happened Sunday evening with the first Concert in the Park with the Orillia Concert Band. The main renovations were completed on time, but there are more upgrades planned for the band shell.
The next Sunday evening concerts are with the Orillia Silver Band July 10, the Barrie Concert Band July 24 followed by The Skyliners Big Band August 14 and the Simcoe County Band August 28.
(Photos and video by Swartz – SUNonline/Orillia) Main: Rotary district 7010 governor Steve Meadley, Orillia councillor Mason Ainsworth, Chamber executive director Allan Lafontaine and Orillia councillor Ralph Cipolla were all set to cut the ribbon for the first run of the Rotary train; then some suggested letting the train do it.
