The train bridge in Gananoque as it appeared in November, 2024. (Lorraine Payette/for Gananoque Reporter)
(Gananoque, ON – June 4, 2025) The Save Our Train Bridge (SOTB) Committee faced an unexpected loss on June 3 at the meeting of Town Council in Gananoque. The room was packed with people, many of them supporters of the SOTB who got up to ask questions and state their views in support of the historic bridge. Only one person spoke in opposition.
Painters (l-r) Rosalyn Insley and Valerie Spence-Hounsell brought a selection of landscapes to the Before the Summer Collectible Art Show and Sale held at the Firehall Theatre in Gananoque in 2024. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
Martha Stroud of the Before the Summer Art Show and Sale has gone out of her way to invite another group of artists to Gananoque to participate in this annual event held at the Firehall Theatre, 185 South Street, Gananoque, Ontario. Starting as in 2016 as Art at the Inn at the Gananoque Inn and Spa, the event has grown and changed and moved to its present location. In their official tenth year (although not the tenth show thanks to COVID shutting them down for two years) Stroud feels that they have surpassed their standard of quality, and they continue to bring the best artists to Gananoque.
The beach at Joel Stone Park was a great place to play on Canada Day. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
The hottest spot to get cool on Canada Day was the splash pad in Gananoque. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
The crowd waited anxiously for the start of the evening’s entertainment at Joel Stone Park on Canada Day. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
Town Crier Brian Mabee opened the evening’s celebrations on Canada Day at Joel Stone Park. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands Mayor Corinna Smith-Gatcke was one of the dignitaries speaking on Canada Day at Joel Stone Park. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
MPP Steve Clark Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes was one of the dignitaries speaking on Canada Day at Joel Stone Park. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
Gananoque Mayor John Beddows was one of the dignitaries speaking on Canada Day at Joel Stone Park. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
Poet Laureate Gretchen Huntley was one of the dignitaries speaking on Canada Day at Joel Stone Park. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
Chickenwire provided the musical entertainment for the evening on Canada Day at Joel Stone Park. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
Chickenwire provided the musical entertainment for the evening on Canada Day at Joel Stone Park. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
(Gananoque, ON July 1, 2024) Perfect weather greeted the crowds as they came out to Joel Stone Park to celebrate Canada Day in Gananoque. Most were dressed in their patriotic red and white clothes, and all were ready for a good time.
Music for the evening was provided by the band Chickenwire. Face painting was available for all, and comic magician Rob Driscoll entertained to everyone’s delight. Dignitaries for the evening included Town Crier Brian Mabee, MPP Steve Clark Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, Gananoque Mayor John Beddows, Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands Mayor Corinna Smith-Gatcke, and Gananoque Poet Laureate Gretchen Huntley.
The younger kids got a chance to do a rescue obstacle course with the fire department, saving both an infant and an adult at the RibFest held in the sports fields at the Lou Jeffries Recreation Centre in Gananoque. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
Crowds were eager to try offerings from four great ribbers at RibFest held in the sports fields at the Lou Jeffries Recreation Centre in Gananoque. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
Two pirates greeted Town Crier Brian Mabee (right) on their ship, just part of the kid zone entertainment at RibFest held in the sports fields at the Lou Jeffries Recreation Centre in Gananoque. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
Mike Myers was only one of the musicians performing at RibFest held in the sports fields at the Lou Jeffries Recreation Centre in Gananoque. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
Ladies of all ages got up to dance to the free music at RibFest held in the sports fields at the Lou Jeffries Recreation Centre in Gananoque. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
Local resident Peggy Haggerty thoroughly enjoyed the ribs at RibFest held in the sports fields at the Lou Jeffries Recreation Centre in Gananoque. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
LorrJen Berry (left) joined Eileen and Glenna Wilberforce as they enjoyed RibFest held in the sports fields at the Lou Jeffries Recreation Centre in Gananoque.a ine Payette/for Postmedia Network
Rotary President Bern Hudson spoke on behalf of the Rotary at RibFest held in the sports fields at the Lou Jeffries Recreation Centre in Gananoque. The extremely popular annual event is brought to town by the Rotary and Lions Clubs of Gananoque. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
Lions RibFest organizer Doug Charbonneau spoke on behalf of the Lions Club at RibFest held in the sports fields at the Lou Jeffries Recreation Centre in Gananoque. The extremely popular annual event is brought to town by the Rotary and Lions Clubs of Gananoque. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
The dignitaries came out to support RibFest held in the sports fields at the Lou Jeffries Recreation Centre in Gananoque. L-r, Town Crier Brian Mabee, Gananoque Mayor John Beddows, MPP Steve Clark Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, and Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands Mayor Corinna Smith-Gatcke. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
Six brave duckie wranglers selected the winning entrants from the duckie drop RibFest held in the sports fields at the Lou Jeffries Recreation Centre in Gananoque. Front l-r, Arlo, Mia, Claire, Avery, Ava and Colin, rear Town Crier Brian Mabee. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
Kouri’s Kopters dropped the duckies into the “pond” at RibFest held in the sports fields at the Lou Jeffries Recreation Centre in Gananoque. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
Avery selecting the first winning duckie RibFest held in the sports fields at the Lou Jeffries Recreation Centre in Gananoque. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
Members of the Gananoque Skating Club picked up the leftover duckies at RibFest held in the sports fields at the Lou Jeffries Recreation Centre in Gananoque. The small plastic toys will be used again next year. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
Town Crier Brian Mabee helped the Lions Club distribute Canada Day cupcakes at RibFest held in the sports fields at the Lou Jeffries Recreation Centre in Gananoque. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
Ready to repel all boarders, young pirates joined in on the fun at RibFest held in the sports fields at the Lou Jeffries Recreation Centre in Gananoque. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
(Gananoque, ON July 1, 2024) The Gananoque Rotary and Lions Clubs teamed up once again for a successful RibFest held in the sports fields at the Lou Jeffries Recreation Centre. The four-day event included entertainment for all ages, vendors, and of course, the ribs. The four ribbers were Jack the Ribber, Route 55 BBQ, Silver Bullet BBQ, and Smoke House Bandits, and other food vendors were also available on-site.
“The smallest community to host Ribfest in Canada welcomes over 19,000 visitors every year,” says the website at www.1000islandsfamilyribfest.ca/ . “The Rotary & Lions Clubs of Gananoque give 100 percent of proceeds back to the community. They support charities, families and students and lead projects that positively change Gananoque and the 1000 Islands area. 1000 Islands Family Ribfest is a safe and clean event that everyone can enjoy.”
About 35 people came out to enjoy the opening of Aquaculture, the new exhibit at the Thousand Islands History Museum in Gananoque. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
About 35 people came out to enjoy the opening of Aquaculture, the new exhibit at the Thousand Islands History Museum in Gananoque. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
LoA colourful selection of fishing lures is on display as part of Aquaculture, the new exhibit at the Thousand Islands History Museum in Gananoque. rraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
Numerous interactive displays are part of Aquaculture, the new exhibit at the Thousand Islands History Museum in Gananoque. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
Different types of fishng equipment are on display as part of Aquaculture, the new exhibit at the Thousand Islands History Museum in Gananoque. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
Live fish in a tank are part of Aquaculture, the new exhibit at the Thousand Islands History Museum in Gananoque. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
The Link Trainer is one of the displays currently at the Thousand Islands History Museum in Gananoque. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
The virtual reality program Oculus gives visitors a chance to experience flight at the Thousand Islands History Museum in Gananoque. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
(Gananoque, ON June 20, 2024) The Thousand Islands History Museum in Gananoque opened its latest exhibit to the public on June 20. About 35 people came out to explore the new exhibit and get an idea of just what the subject is about.
“Our latest exhibit is Aquaculture: Farming the Waters, a travelling exhibit from Ingenium,” said Joanne van Dreumel, executive director of the museum. “We are excited to launch this new exhibition, which explores the world of aquaculture – the farming of fish, shellfish, and seaweed in oceans, lakes, and on land. Have you ever wondered how Canadian farmers produce seafood – not only on Canada’s coasts, but across the country? This colourful travelling exhibition from Ingenium is accessible, tactile, peppered with games and interactive materials, and will engage visitors of all ages. Come discover how Indigenous peoples have practiced aquaculture over millennia and explore how it has evolved in Canada.”