Reprinted from The Packet, August 25, 2016
by Wanda Garrett
The community of Long Beach tripled in population on the weekend of Aug. 12-14, with about 380 people attending a community reunion.
Many past residents and family members make the trip home from across the province, other parts of Canada, and as far away as Wisconsin, USA.
The weekend began with a meet and greet at St. Mark’s Anglican Church on Friday night. There was lots of chatter, hugs, and laughter as people who hadn’t seen each other in years were reconnecting.
Many people were meeting relatives for the first time; putting faces to names they had heard all their lives but never met in person. Some descendants of the old family names were visiting Long Beach for the first time.
The first evening concluded with a community bonfire on the beach complete with s’mores for the children and young at heart, and a boil up of 120 pounds of mussels for everyone. Oh, and of course, fireworks!
Saturday morning began bright and early with a fishing derby. Local boat owners took visitors and residents out, giving everyone who wanted an opportunity to try and catch a fish.
The largest catch of the morning was 39 inches long, caught by 11 year-old Gavin Lambert, son of Conrad and Roxanne (Vey) Lambert. Zachary Drodge caught the largest fish in the adult category — 34 inches long. A great time was had by everyone and our visitors certainly enjoyed the opportunity to get out on the water and try their luck.
A busy afternoon began after a BBQ lunch at the Long Beach Marina. There was a horseshoe contest for the adults and lots of activities for the young people.
About 60 children were treated to a visit from Fishery Officer Yolanda Fillier and her textile friend — a leatherback turtle.
This was followed with rock painting — the children painted Newfoundland flags, puffins, codfish, star fish and other interesting items on their rocks.
The younger children enjoyed a fish pond, a treasure hunt for buried treasure in the beach (complete with a treasure map and clues), and face painting and tattoos. The older children participated in a ‘photo’ scavenger hunt looking for items of significance to Long Beach.
All of the children enjoyed some ‘old fashioned games’ such as tug of war, three-legged race, and potato sack races. They were treated to a sand castle cake, lemonade, purity syrup and cookies. To finish off their afternoon, there was a rubber duck race in the brook. The children all cheered on their rubber ducks to the finish and the winner was Taylor Piercey.
While the children were enjoying their activities, 65 ladies were treated to an afternoon tea and treats in the church basement. They were delighted when their tea was served from china tea pots and china cups and saucers. It was a great opportunity for the ladies to catch up with each other — especially those that came from afar.
On Saturday night there was a pot-luck supper followed by another bonfire and an evening of music and fun.
The reunion concluded with a church service and lunch on the beach Sunday morning, followed by three flower services in the local cemeteries. During the church service the audience were treated to a whale in the bay and an eagle flying overhead. What a great way to end a wonderful weekend!
After a year’s planning, a great team of committee members, lots of community volunteers, wonderful sponsors, and beautiful weather — the reunion was declared a success.
George Baritt (grandson of Llewellyn and Mary Louisa (Vey) Barfitt), who was visiting from the United States, said, “I’ve returned to where I belong, the experience was overwhelming, to unite with family members, unbelievable. Our forefathers were looking over us and provided a perfect weekend.”
Many people are already asking, “when is the next one?”
Reunion Committee members were: Kevin Avery, Derrick Drodge, Lori Kelly, Wanda Garrett, Diane Vey-Morawski, Amanda Nicolle, Dee Russell, Christine Smith, Elaine Spurrell, Ollie Vey, and Tina Vey.
