FESTIVAL CANCELLED Returning in 2021

After many weeks of consultation, it was unanimously decided on Monday, May 12 that all community summer festivals under the PEIAE be cancelled for 2020 due to the ongoing Covid-19 Pandemic, which includes the PEI Potato Blossom Festival scheduled for July 15-19 in O'Leary. With so much uncertainty around the pandemic and when large gatherings in Prince Edward Island will be able to resume, it was not possible for any events to plan a successful festival. Although the PEI Potato Blossom Festival will not take place in 2020, presentation of awards presented every summer at the Farmers Awards Banquet will take place at a later date, either virtually or in person should large gatherings be permitted. Details to be released in the weeks and months ahead. For a list of other festivals across Prince Edward Island that have been cancelled, please visit the PEI Association of Exhibitions website at www.peiae.ca. The Festival looks forward to returning in 2021!

West Point Lighthouse

A must-visit destination for 2011, the renewed West Point attraction boasts many updates to ensure your visit is one to remember. Topping the list of enhancements for this year are:

• The Lighthouse Museum, with new displays among an extensive collection of lighthouse artifacts
• The renovated and expanded Inn with new furnishings and fixtures, featuring a walk-out deck with every room that overlooks the Northumberland Strait
• Enhanced dining experience with local products and seafood while overlooking the West Point harbour
• A 1,500m boardwalk along the dunes and interpretive trails meandering though this unique environment
• The re-appointed Light-keeper’s suite, restored to its former elegance.

And then, of course, there is the beautiful beach with lifeguards, the Cedar Dunes Provincial Park, the West Point Craft Shop and the expanded marina all waiting here for you.

SUMMER SPORTS UPDATE Return to Play

Phase Two (May 22) and Phase Three (June 1) of the Renew PEI plan will call for the return of recreation activities. The Department of Health and the Sport & Recreation Division are working hard to guide us through the new normal. There are many factors yet to be determined as to how we must adapt our summer programming in O'Leary. Social distancing will continue in the future for all fans and athletes. A full "Return To Play" plan is being developed by all Provincial Sport Organizations. At this time, we are awaiting these plans and will be developing strategies to meet the expectations. A return date for minor soccer and softball has not been determined yet. Registration for softball is underway until May 31 through RAMP software. Visit www.softballpei.com and look for us under "Club Registrations." Payment will not be accepted at this time. Please check back regularly for more updates. - Andrew Avery - Recreation Director - Town of O'Leary

Canadian Potato Museum

The museum is surrounded by fertile potato growing fields where the humble potato has played an important role in the economy for many years. The museum depicts an interesting display of the potato industry, and houses a large collection of farm implements and machinery related to the growing and harvesting of potatoes. In fact, this museum contains the largest exhibit of potato artifacts in the world! In 1999 a major expansion was constructed to accommodate the Potato Hall of Fame, the extraordinary national Amazing Potato Exhibit, and incorporates the Community Museum. The building now covers over 7000 square feet and is air conditioned for your comfort. Big Potato

The 14 foot fibreglass Russet Burbank potato, stands on the front lawn of the world's only potato museum. It's a big potato and quite unique. This project is representative of potato growing and shipping in our Community and was realized through fund raising efforts by the local potato industry and other interested