Friday was a very special day on Johns Island: Island Fair Day! This Nor’wester tradition is celebrated only once a summer, during the first half of Second Session. Current and former campers alike cherish fond memories of their Island Fair experiences, and for good reason. It’s a day full of creative, colorful, and memorable activities.
Campers dreamed up many delicious and unique pie creations for Island Fair Day!
When we walked into the Lodge first thing in the morning, our noses told us it was no ordinary day! Our wonderful kitchen team had prepared a special breakfast of cinnamon rolls with icing, granola, bacon, and a beautiful red and blue berry medley. After enjoying this delicious meal together, campers broke off into groups focused on various preparatory tasks for the day. Some headed down to Mission Point to work on building booths for Carnival; others went to the Craft Shop to design and paint signs for the booths. Meanwhile in the Lodge, other camper groups were making tasty and innovative pies, while others were constructing milk carton boats for the afternoon’s regatta.
Lots of unit pride went into the engineering and launching of the milk carton boats!
After a busy morning of preparations, the afternoon activities kicked off with the Island Fair Fun Run! Campers ran or walked the mile-long course in costumes, in groups, or in three-legged pairs. Unitmates waited at the finish line to cheer on all the participants. And afterward, everyone enjoyed a sweet treat of refreshing watermelon slices!
Then it was time to head down to the waterfront for the kayak and canoe races and the milk carton boat regatta. Everyone along the beach cheered for the paddlers and the intrepid milk carton boats! And following the races, we all enjoyed some beach time together.
Each unit chose paddlers to represent them in the canoe and kayak races.
After dinner, the Island Fair fun continued with the announcement of the pie awards and sampling of all the winners. Next, 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 booths offering fortune telling, nail art, the opportunity to “get married,” and receive a “Johns Island facial.” You could also take part in the Islander congress, challenge yourself with the Forester’s boot camp, or hang out at the “VIP lounge.” There was something for everyone at this year’s Carnival!
The kayak race got the whole camp cheering for our paddlers!
As the light began to fade, Island Fair Day came to a close. Campers took down the Carnival booths, disassembled their milk carton boats, and tucked away their pie competition awards. We headed to bed in the lengthening twilight, all tired but also treasuring wonderful memories from a full and fantastic day. What a wonderful celebration it was – and we’re already looking forward to next year’s Island Fair!
