Grandois celebrates inaugural Come Home Year

Andrea Short

"Just got to come," said Ambrose Sexton, formerly of Grandois, when hearing of plans for the recent Come Home Year.

Ambrose, who now lives in St. John's, and his brother John Sexton, who lives in Manitoba, both moved from Grandois about 30 years ago and spent time reminiscing about the place they used to live.

"It's nice to see everyone back here again," said John. "When we grew up, there were a couple hundred people living here".

The population of Grandois now stands at 23, but with its first ever Come Home Year celebrations drew about 80 former residents back to the community.

People from as far as British Columbia and Alberta, St. John's and Corner Brook returned to join in the festivities and spend time with old friends and family.

Not only did former residents of the community enjoy coming home to see familiar faces that they haven't seen in a while, the kids who came to celebrate loved having the freedom of the small community where their parents and grandparents grew up.

Many visitors who came to celebrate took advantage of the opportunity of having many relatives and friends together and had celebrations of their own; during the week there were even weddings and anniversaries.

Plans for the celebration started last February and were ongoing until the weekend arrived. Many events took place that all visitors could take part in including a kids day, adult day, talent show, bingo, bike parade, screech-ins, dances with Nasty Weather and Kevin O'Quinn performing and 'the best thing', a fishing derby.

"It was perfect timing," said Josephine Clarke.

"The fishing derby is for all ages, so everyone can get out and enjoy it."

The Come Home Year was a big occasion for Grandois and with so many events underway, Ms. Clarke said they had a lot of help. Everyone in the community assisted in organizing and planning and they gave thanks to surrounding areas for their donations and support.

Grandois may be a small community, but it has a huge heart and welcomes any and all visitors no matter what the occasion.