For the love of tugs in Parry Sound.
Bob Corrigan, chair of TugFest Georgian Bay, stands at the front of the Cambrian, his tugboat. TugFest Georgian Bay will take place in Parry Sound August 26 to 28, with approximately 24 tugs expected for the weekend. Locals and visitors can watch tug races, the Parade of Lights and even tour the tugs.
Sarah Frank/North Star
PARRY SOUND - Some people like cruising on backroads in old cars or motorcycles. Bob Corrigan likes tugboats.
Corrigan, chair of TugFest Georgian Bay, is now preparing for at least 24 tugboats to arrive in Parry Sound August 26 to 28. Parry Sound hasn't hosted the event, which began in 1987, since 2005. In recent years, the tugs have rotated through a southern Georgian Bay circuit, holding TugFest in Penetanguishene, Owen Sound and Midland.
The tugs will arrive in Parry Sound Friday, followed by races out on the Bay. At 8:30 p.m. the Parade of Lights will begin - one of the highlights of the weekend, said Corrigan. Spectators can get a good view of the brightly decorated tugs from the town dock, Charles W. Stockey Centre or Big Sound Marina.
Visitors are welcome to stop by the town dock Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. to view the tugs and chat with their captains and crews. The boats will be open for tours Sunday from 2:30 to 5 p.m. During the tours the boats will also be judged for a chance at various prizes, including most impressive and best dressed.
Now, tugboat owners are making any last-minute repairs, painting and adding a little "shine" to make the tugs sparkle.
"We always try to have some judges who don't know a lot about tugs," said Corrigan. "It makes it more fun."
Miniature versions of the tugs will also be out on the water during the weekend. The smaller boats, which only seat a handful of people, can be toted around by trailer.
"You can buy kits and build them yourself," said Corrigan, who wants to build one of his own.
Running a tugboat is a fun, rewarding hobby, said Corrigan - but owners need deep pockets.
"Tugs are expensive to run," he said. "It costs a lot of money for people to come out and participate but (the participants) make a holiday out of it."
The boats, which range from 18 to 136 feet, are built to push and pull, usually running at around nine knots, or ten miles per hour.
Corrigan's tug, the Cambrian, doubles as a search and rescue vessel for the coast guard auxiliary.
"I have a crew of five people I can call on," said Corrigan. "We've been out a couple times this year."
Another tug, Still Watch, is currently docked at the town dock beside the Cambrian and sometimes hosts sea cadets. The boat sleeps 24 and provides the cadets with an environment similar to a navy camp.
Corrigan said he isn't sure whether TugFest will come back to Parry Sound after this year.
"We go where there is the most value added," he said, noting other communities are already bidding to host the event in the next few years.
This year's event is also celebrating Parry Sound Power and Sail Squadron's 50th anniversary.