FOG RiverFest biggest, best fundraiser mixing music, Eco Fair, flotilla party, canoe ballet 

RiverFest, put on by Friends of Gatineau (FOG) was a most successful, fun, educational and ecological fundraiser by dedicated lovers of the Gatineau River at the Farm Point Community Centre, September 7th.

Thankfully, a sprinkling of rain was burned up by scintillating sunshine as a flotilla of varied watercraft (canoe, dragonboat, houseboat with band, etc.) sailed downriver from Wakefield to Farm Point. 

There was assembled an Eco Fair Village peppered with info booths by such groups as H2O, Life Without Plastic, Green New Deal, while attendees were entertained by the Log Drivers (an apt name for the occasion), a 70s Rock & Roll band from Mont Cascades. 

“In terms of attendance, it was our biggest RiverFest yet and our largest flotilla with 86 people registered,” FOG President Rita Jain told the Post. “FOG was thrilled to see so many river lovers and supporters come out. The flotilla exemplified people’s love of the river, gently paddling together while enjoying the beautiful surroundings.”

Canoe Ballet? 

Who would believe you could make a canoe dance? That’s just what Becky Mason (daughter of canoeing master Bill Mason) did. Virtually raised in a canoe, Becky delighted shoreline spectators with how she made her canoe do figure 8s and spins like a top on water, sometimes using only one hand on the paddle, to the accompaniment of Fearless by Pink Floyd played by Lynel Honerman of the Log Drivers.

Most family friendly, kids saw super hula hoop whiz Tara McWhinne initiate all comers with some great hula moves. 

The dance/rhythmic menu was eclectic with an Afrikan Drum Circle led by Derek Debeers, a reggae party with The Rotators, capped by an evening bonfire and jam.

Steve Ferguson, who is on the board of FOG, told the Bulletin the eco-group has been in existence for more than 20 years and initially started over establishing speed limits on the river for watercraft. FOG monitors e-coli with water sampling results published three times a year, he said, adding, “The Gatineau is one of the cleanest rivers in Quebec.”   

Cruising down the Gatineau, dragon boat and music band catamaran.