A cooking Come Home Year

Andrea Short

It was dubbed ‘A Blast Again in 2010’ and it didn’t disappoint.

Between July 28 and August 1, Cook’s Harbour was thriving with celebrations as Come Home Year festivities took place.

Wednesday kicked off with a parade around the community and a get together at Barry’s shed with skits, performances, food, screech-ins and a dance.

People who have been away for more than 20 or 30 years, or others that made the Come Home Year their first visit to Newfoundland with spouses from the community, all took part in the many events during the five-day celebration.

One of the most hotly anticipated events was the tug-of-war between ‘Up da Harbour’ and ‘Down da Harbour’, in which the community is always divided.

‘Down da Harbour’ put up a fight but in the end ‘Up da Harbour’ took the title on Saturday.

Friday also drew a day of eager vistitors who braved the cold weather to take part or simply watch the boat races at Salt Water Pond.

At the end of the day, after a few broken oars, many tumbles into the pond, but most importantly laughter and excitement, Jarvis Pittman and Kevin Elliott took the title for the fastest time at two minutes and 45 seconds.

Not only do events gather crowds, but so does food. Throughout the Come Home Year, many meals visitors can’t always get on the mainland — including fish and brewis, moose burgers and moose soup — were prepared by the committee. There was also a breakfast prepared by the United Church Women’s group.

Aside from Come Home Year activities, young and old alike enjoyed visiting the local hangouts of Cook’s Harbour, taking rides in boats, visiting Cape Norman lighthouse, enjoying home cooked traditional Newfoundland meals and just having the freedom of the small community.

Events ended on a good note on Sunday and everyone was in happy spirits from the good times that were had. Many attended the local Anglican Church for a closing ceremony service and gospel singing by Ralph and Allan Drover.

The committee only wanted to see everyone together and the community as a whole; it couldn’t have been much more of a success.