jeff carver

BIA President and Wismer House owner Jeff Carver took a turn in the Liv-A-Little dunk tank during the inaugural Retro Homecoming Party July 28 at the Wismer House and on Elgin Street in downtown Port Elgin.

Hub Staff

An idea that was a year in the making came to fruition and included heaps of fun July 28 as the Retro Homecoming Party took over the extended patio at the Wismer House and portions of Elgin Street.

Faded and ripped jeans were a staple at the inaugural event which was the brainchild of Wismer House owner and Port Elgin BIA President Jeff Carver and former owners of the Beach Brothers and Straussers, Jim Strauss, Paul Schmalz and Rhonda Oakley-Johnston. “The idea, it morphed into a homecoming, none of us could understand why Port Elgin did not have an event like this while so many other surrounding communities did,” said Carver. “The decision was made that instead of complain about it we would take it upon ourselves to start one. We have decided to make this an annual event and start a long overdue tradition,” he added.

The event also featured a Liv-A-Little dunk tank where many candidates vying for positions in the upcoming Saugeen Shores municipal election volunteered for thrills and spills. Jami Smith, Paul Seamon, Dave Myette, Luke Charbonneau and Dianne Mini Jacques had fun with constituents who donated $10 for three balls with funds going to the Foundation. After some persuasion Carver also agreed to take a seat dunk tank and all told, the Liv-A-Little Foundation raised $1,700 for Cystinosis research.

Carver said the event was a great success and expressed his gratitude to “everyone who came out to take part in the festivities. Without the support of this great community this would not be possible,” he said.

Carver also thanked All in One Rentals in Owen Sound for supplying the bounce castle, slide, bungee run and axe throwing; as well as the Town of Saugeen Shores and the Saugeen Shores Police Service.

carver on ice

Wismer House staff added some extra ice to the dunk tank in time for their boss’ turn.

picnic

Many people took the time to enjoy the extended outdoor patio at the Retro Homecoming Party July 28.

dave myette

Aim was on point as Saugeen Shores Councillor Dave Myette took a seat in the dunk tank.

luke charbonneau

Many of acclaimed Saugeen Shores Mayor Luke Charbonneau’s family members wanted to see him get dunked during the Homecoming event July 28.

jumpy

The inflatable bouncy castle was a hit with younger attendees.

slide

Many sliders tried to catch big air at the Retro Homecoming Party July 28.

cathy

Cathy Fenton (left), Meryl Gilmore and Aleah served up chocolate sundaes and ice cream with proceeds supporting their upcoming Uganda trip and local hockey programs.

kin club

Christine and Dave Menscher of the Saugeen Shores Kin Club were enjoying and making cotton candy at the Retro Homecoming Party.

facepainting

Face painting was a popular attraction.

day night

The Homecoming was popular for the day crowd and went into the night.