Wismer House owner Jeff Carver and staff were busy looking after everyone at the second annual Retro Homecoming Party July 27.

Hub Staff

After a wet and stormy start to the day, the clouds parted, making way for a day of fun at the second annual Retro Homecoming Party at The Wismer House in Port Elgin July 27.

An afternoon of activities geared toward children included face painting, ice cream and an array of bouncy inflatables to jump on and slide down. New to the party this year was a large inflatable nerf gun maze, for kids only, and a mechanical bull ride.

The Liv-A-Little Foundation dunk tank saw plenty of activity as local celebrities took seat above the water while people made a donation and took aim with a baseball. In total over $300 was raised towards Cystinosis research.

The 'make your own ice cream sundae' was also a fundraiser with money raised being shared between helping children in Uganda and a local charity which had not yet been determined.

Wismer House owner Jeff Carver said the idea for a homecoming party originally came after he started talking with Jim Strauss and Paul Schmalz of former Port Elgin businesses Strauser's and Beach Brothers. “We could never understand why Port Elgin never had a homecoming here,” said Carver. “Everyone else around here does so we thought why can't we.”

Carver said they decided to start small and see what it would turn into. “Next year I would like to look at expanding and doing something even more. Bring in a Ferris wheel and just build on it each year.”

The focus of the party turned more toward the adults as the day progressed into evening with games, a DJ and the Shakey D band playing some retro tunes. “We also do a special menu,” explained Carver. “A lot of favourites that they used to serve at Beach Brothers and Strauser's," he said.

Carver said he was really happy with how the day went. “It's been a great turnout, a really good crowd and a lot of fun,” he said adding that this year's event had brought even more people than last year.

“It seems like people are planning their summer vacation to come back and visit friends and family, while this is going on,” he said. “It's just a great way for everyone to connect at the same time.”

Saugeen Shores Police Sergeant Andy Evans was dunked more than a few times, including from his fellow officers, in Port Elgin July 27.

Dunkers Danielle Gomes (left) and Chad Little (right, in white) had big smiles on their faces as Gomes' true aim knocked Saugeen Shores Police Sergeant Andy Evans down into the dunk tank.

Awaiting his fate, Wismer House owner Jeff Carver sits above the Liv-A-Little Dunk tank July 27.

Jeff Carver still had a smile on his face after being well and truly dunked at the Wismer House July 27.

Numerous inflatables were set up on Elgin Street for children to play in during the second annual Retro Homecoming Party.

Children were geared up and ready to enter the large inflatable nerf gun maze, set up on Elgin Street in Port Elgin July 27.

Eleven year old Jessica Pitirri was showing her mechanical bull riding skills at the Retro Homecoming Party in Port Elgin July 27.

Southampton resident, 7 year old Chloe, was having fun trying to stay on the mechanical bull at The Wismer House.

With painted faces and cotton candy in hand, 6 year old Ella (left) and 3 year old Ivy had travelled to Port Elgin with their dad and were having lots of fun at the Retro Homecoming Party.

Ice cream and cotton candy were popular attractions July 27 at The Wismer House.

The Jugheads entertained visitors attending the second annual Retro Homecoming Party in Port Elgin.

'Lets get together' said the sidewalk sandwich board outside The Wismer House, and so they did.