Friday was a special day on Johns Island: It was Island Fair Day! This Nor’wester tradition is celebrated only once a year, during the first half of Second Session. It’s a camper favorite because of all the memorable events and activities that take place only on Island Fair Day!
Campers’ delicious and unique creations wowed our pie competition judges!
At breakfast, fresh berries and crispy bacon accompanied the Island Fair Day treat of warm-out-of-the-oven cinnamon rolls. Next came the morning activities: pie baking, milk carton boat building, sign painting, and booth construction. So much creative prep work went into ensuring that the afternoon events would be memorable!
Lots of pride and effort went into the construction of the milk carton boats for the regatta!
The afternoon kicked off with our Fun Run: some ran, some walked, some danced, some skipped, and many completed the course in a variety of costumes! All the participants completed the mile-long course to wild applause and the refreshing snack of chilled watermelon slices. Then it was time to head down to the waterfront for the kayak race and the milk carton boat regatta. Everyone cheered on the paddlers and the plucky milk carton boats, after which we all enjoyed some beach time together.
The Voyageurs’ booth was a popular attraction at Carnival, drawing in “Zumba” participants, temporary (pen ink) tattoo enthusiasts, and hair braiding recipients.
Following dinner, singing, and pie sampling, the whole camp adjourned to Mission Point where booths of all kinds were set up for the Island Fair Carnival. Each unit developed a unique theme for their booth and advertised with bright signs and catchy slogans. There were opportunities to receive a “penna” or henna (temporary) tattoo, “get married,” go fishing for paper fishes, get free advice, have your hair braided, do the “kelp scoot” on a bed of freshly-harvested kelp, and more. Our campers displayed impressive imagination with the booths and activities they created!
The Islanders’ “Kelp Scoot” booth housed one of the most original concepts at Carnival!
As the sun set behind neighboring Stuart Island, Island Fair came to a close. Campers took down the Carnival booths, disassembled their milk carton boats, and tucked away their pie competition ribbons. Then we all trundled back to our tipis, tired but happy at the end of a long and wonderful day. It was an Island Fair Day to remember – and we’re sure that our campers will take home many delightful memories from all of Friday’s fun.