The Marine Heritage Society is ready for another busy summer.
They made a presentation to Saugeen Shores council Monday.
Marine Heritage Society Chair Eric Tolton reported a strong start to the 2026 Chantry Island Tour season.
He says the lighthouse keeper’s home and gardens were prepared, volunteers completed their training, and online bookings exceeded 100 tickets during the first week of sales.
They have also been researching future repairs involving the imperial lighthouse tower on Chantry Island, and Tolton felt the strong track record of collaboration between the Marine Heritage Society and the Town should provide a solid foundation for any future discussions with federal partners.
Making an appearance before council in his full priate gear was Marine Heritage Festival character Captain Wayne Sparrow (aka Kaufman), who said, “Ar-r-r-r-r. You may know about the Cardboard Boat Races, Kids’ Bike Rally, and Children’s Gold Hunt – but last year we experimented with cultural and artistic events that were a big hit. This year marks the 15th Anniversary Marine Heritage Festival, and we’re providing thirty activities for learning and fun here in Saugeen Shores.”
This festival runs from July 24th to 26th. They say last year, more than 7,000 people took part.
The activities also include games in the park, face painting, caricature sketches, and a display of the 92,000-brick LEGO Chi-Cheemaun. There is also a comedy magic show, an acrobatic performance, a sail-past, and a new lifeguard rescue demonstration. The Tall Ship Playfair is also due to make an appearance in the Southampton Harbour, and there is a new opportunity to join two-hour sailings on Lake Huron.
New this year, is a multimedia lecture about the history of ferry boats that shaped Georgian Bay communities. There’s also a new Jane’s Walk of historic sites along the Southampton Harbour. There will be food and music throughout the festival.
Tolton noted to council, since the 1990’s volunteers have helped lead stewardship efforts involving the Chantry Island Keeper’s Home, the General Hunter ship excavation
and replica project, Southampton’s front and rear range lights, maintenance at the boathouse, replica storm baskets, and most recently the rejuvenation of the historic Kayoshk boat now on display at the Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre.
Tolton also highlightedto council the work of the Propeller Club, a volunteer working arm of the Marine Heritage Society that also helps care for Pioneer Park by maintaining
lawns, gardens, hedges, and the general appearance of the space.
The Marine Heritage Society also runs a weekly Friday outdoor Artisans and Tastes Market beside the Southampton Coliseum.