Bay Roberts mayor expecting big crowds for Klondyke Days

By Mark Squibb/July 15, 2022

Klondyke Days is just around the corner, and Bay Roberts Mayor Walter Yetman says it’s going to be a good time for all.

“We have not had a full fledged Klondyke Days Festival since 2019,” said Yetman, who noted the town held a festival last year that was scaled back due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “It feels great to get back… We’re going to have some Come Home Year celebrations in conjunction with Klondyke Days, and Come Home Year celebrations will continue after Klondyke Days are over.”

The festival begins with the Klondyke Days Parade and Ceremonies on July 20, and will wrap up with a fireworks display on August 1. In between are parties, concerts, meals, and more.

Already this summer the Town has held its annual Sea Food Festival and Light the Lamp ball hockey tournament, along with Canada Day celebrations.

“I’ve noticed at all these events, that people are so positive and relieved,” said Yetman. “They’re so glad to be able to come out without restrictions and enjoy events again.”

Yetman admits that rising concerns about new COVID variations coupled with hiccups in airline travel could hinder some folks’ plans, but he still expects a big turnout.

“We’re expecting a big crowd,” said Yetman. “We’re expecting people to be relieved and happy to be together again.”

He said he’s heard of people scheduling their holidays around the festival.

“We’re expecting a lot of people from out of town,” said the mayor. “Some will be coming home, and some will be visiting for the first time.”

Some of those visitors have already arrived.

“I have, honestly, even in the past two weeks, noticed a buzz around town,” said Yetman. “There’s so many people, and they’re not familiar faces, so they’re obviously tourists coming in.”

He said the Town’s tourism department has done a wonderful job promoting Bay Roberts and the region, and that will be reflected in visitation. That influx of visitors is good news, said Yetman, for local businesses, many of which have suffered during the pandemic.

Yetman also pointed out this will also be the last year for the Kelly’s Landing Jailhouse fundraiser.

“It’s been a huge fundraiser,” said Yetman. “Donna and Kelly Fowler have raised thousands, tens of thousands of dollars for different charities. They’ve concentrated on the TCP Health Foundation, but this year, it’s their last year, and they’re going to give it to a number of charities. They’ve done so much good work in the town.”

Funds raised by the jailhouse event total around $250,000.

The Klondyke Days festival dates back to 1995 and is named after the causeway that connects Bay Roberts and Coley’s Point.