Festivals and Events: Canada Day Celebrations

This is slightly delayed due to the fact that Post-tropical storm Arthur rolled through Miramichi on July 5, resulting in one of the days of celebrations having to be rescheduled. The intention was to wait for the new date, but that did not end up taking place.

This year, the Rock 'N' Roll Festival that usually takes place around that weekend did not take place. Luckily, there was a week-long celebration for Canada Day, which distracted everyone from the lack of the festival.

The celebrations started off on June 28 with an open air market and activities on Water Street in Chatham and street dance later that evening. (Unfortunately I was unable to get pictures).

On June 30 there was a concert at one of the local churches and the fireworks display took place over the Newcastle waterfront.

Starting up with red sparks.

A few of the fireworks were shot to look like they were coming off the water.

Getting into the more colourful spectacular.

Three different fireworks in various stages of explosion.

Starting to set off the bigger fireworks.

Sizzle firework going off in center of another firework.

Setting off an array of colours all at once.

Celebrating Canada Day with red and silver.

Getting near the end of the display.

The grand finale of the Canada Day fireworks display.

On July 1 the Canada Day parade walked the streets of Miramichi with all different floats and cars. The parade is sponsored annually by Miramichi's Station 1 volunteer fire department, who took out the vintage truck for the parade.

Children's Wish Foundation float.

Honda cars.

Station 1 volunteer fire department.

A view of some of the floats and other participants going along the route.

Vintage car.

Float being pulled by a tractor. 

The old vintage fire truck.

Places to Eat: Jungle Jim's

Looking for a fun family place to have a nice supper? Jungle Jim's is just the place for a unique dining experience everyone will love!

The restaurant has a funky jungle theme, with bamboo and leafy decor, colourful lights and other fun things to make the atmosphere seem like you've found yourself somewhere exotic.

Main dining area.

Quirky decor.

Booths section.

Front area.

Fun sign.

Wall art by the washrooms.

Trademark jeep being driven by "Jim" through the wall.

Fun decor.

The tikki bar.

Exclusive to Alberta, the Maritimes and Newfoundland and Labrador, Jungle Jim's serves up a menu of fun. From burgers and sandwiches, steak and ribs, to chicken and seafood, munchies, salads, nachos and wings, there's something for everyone. They also have a dessert and drink menu.

Sweet potato fries.

Cheesy garlic bread.

Chicken taquitos.

Cheesy queso stuffers.

A special kid's menu is shaped like a tikki mask so children can pick their food and then wear their menus. Tuesday is "Pay By Your Height-Night" where children pay a cent for every centimetre.

The treasure chest for the kid's menu and spot to measure children.

Wednesdays are another fun night at the restaurant with "Jungle Jim's Wild Wacky Wing Nite"! Get all you can eat wings for $12.99 and baskets of munchies are included in the price. Try different types of wings from the regular buffalo and honey garlic to sour cream and onion and ketchup. For anyone who likes hot wings, there is an insanity option, which includes the signing a waiver before eating the wings at your own risk.

Wings with chicken taquito side.

Wings with chippers side.

Wing night even has its own special menu. The colourful background makes the menu items pop and it's a fun way to choose food and drinks.

Wing night menu.

If you're looking for a fun places to dine with family and friends, head over to Jungle Jim's located in the Bridgeview Plaza at 2441 King George Highway. They are open Monday through Thursday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m and  from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. For a full menu, go to www.junglejims.ca!

Jungle Jim's slogan, being pulled by the plane, "It's a jungle in here... Eat, drink and have fun."

Things to Do: Gordon's Wharf

On those hot summer days when you wish you had a pool and don't want to drive to the ocean, but need to cool off, the solution is not far away at all. Drive roughly nine kilometers after the Centennial Bridge and turn right onto Gordon Wharf Road, which is just after a sign for Sunrise Campground.

Gordon Wharf Road.

At the end of this short road you will find the newly renovated Gordon's Wharf. This is the hot spot for Miramichiers looking to go to the beach. The wharf has also been re-done, so boaters can bring their boats and back them into the water.

Newly renovated wharf.

Boat drop-off.

The beach.

Another new addition to the wharf is an office building and a canteen, which sells hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, beverages and it looking to sell ice cream and slushies soon.

The new building.

There is a ramp for wheel chair or stroller access.

The newly renovated room where people can line up for the canteen, which is through the window.

In addition to the canteen, there are also bathrooms in the building which provide a spot for people change into their swimsuits and out of their wet clothes after a day at the beach.

Sinks and counters.

The toilet is in a separate part of the bathroom. Being able to close the door allows someone to change while others are using the sinks.

For swimmers curious about the bottom when you walk in, close to the shoreline it's a bit rocky with seaweed, but it gets sandy further out. The water gets gradually deeper, but  adult swimmers are still able to touch the bottom until they are about 10 feet out.

The path to walk down to the beach after parking.

Near the end of the rocks is where there is a drop-off in the water.

There is also a spot near the wharf dock where there is a drop-off. This is the spot dredged for boats to fit without getting stuck on the bottom. The water is usually cold with a few warmer spots and is very refreshing on a day where the sun is beating down.

A spot across from where the main beach is where people can walk around.

Enjoy a swim in the river, or a walk along the sand at Gordon's Wharf for a fun, refreshing summer activity.

Places to Eat: Brian's Takeout

Brian's Takeout is one of the local places you can get good quality homemade food. Located at 344 Wellington St on the Chatham side of the river, they have a homey atmosphere which reinforces the homemade attitude they have.

Brian's Takeout.

Sign in front of the restaurant, they have a chef character that can be easily recognized.

Despite being called a takeout restaurant, there is seating inside.

The restaurant has fold-up takeout menus at the counter for customers.

Brian's Takeout has an extensive menu with homemade salads, burgers, chicken, munchies and seafood dishes. They serve scallops, clams, shrimp and lobster rolls, as well as fish.

Mozza sticks.

Fish and chips.

Fish burger platter with fries and coleslaw.

Brian's Takeout is open every day from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. They do gift cards and you can call in to get your takeout at 622-2277. For an extensive menu with the prices, check out www.brianstakeout.com. 

Looking to keep in the loop? Check out their Facebook or Twitter. Interested in sharing some of your homemade delights? They are always looking for tasty homemade things to try.

For delicious homemade food, go to Brian's Takeout today!