Rain may have dampened the DeTour Fine Arts Festival from taking place on Ontario Street, but the spirits of those who participated were definitely not dampened in any way. The exhibits were set up at the school, in the Performing Arts Center. The enthusiasm among the artists and the visitors remained high.

Entertainment was provided by Liz Lehman, flute; Gary Van- Alstine and Friends, vocal and guitar; community choir; Ashley Stefanski Nettleton, vocal and guitar; Barb Taylor, vocal and piano, and the DeTour-Drummond Island Elementary School dancers. To be there was like attending a concert in a large theatre. We in DeTour are very fortunate to have such wonderful talent.

Artists participated from DeTour, Sault Ste. Marie, Drummond Island, Hessel, Cedarville, Burton, and Adrian. Nancy Mordecai contributed her hard work and planning, in bringing this festival together to be a huge success. The festival is sponsored by the E.U.P. Fine Arts Council.

Where is the time going? It's hard to believe the Fourth of July, a favorite holiday, is just a few days away. The parade, starting at noon, will be on Ontario Street, and end at the pavilion, where all the activities for the day will take place. There will be games for children of all ages, as well as a food and beverage concession. All raffles will take place at the pavilion, a wonderful place to be after the parade as it's a time for longtime friends to get together and catch up. There is nothing better than a small town Fourth of July celebration. The fireworks will take place at the Botanical Gardens at dusk.

Saturday, July 5, the popular model Freighter Race (human powered!) will take place on Ontario Street, at the Mainsail. Starting time will be 12:30 p.m. This particular event is exciting and fun to watch.

The first Soapbox Derby will also take place Saturday, July 5, on Division Street. Entrants are to sign in and warm up between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. The race will commence at 11 a.m. To date, there are 50 entrants. This event is something different for DeTour.

Rene Norton is planning the inaugural Spaghetti (Gourmet) Dinner, with all the side dishes, to raise funds for the volunteer fire department, and the DeTour Ambulance Emergency Service. Donations will be accepted; there are no tickets to purchase. The dinner will be held at the DeTour Marina Saturday, August 2, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. There will be raffles, a 50/50 drawing, and music. Music will be provided by Barbara Taylor from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., and Ron DiSalvia will entertain from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. This affair is the idea of Chad and Rene Norton.

Ms. Norton has already received more than $2,100 in donations. The sale of T-shirts, advertising the dinner, and also listing the names of donors printed on each shirt, are available for sponsorship.

"Chef Rene," winner of the 2008 chili cook-off contest, will have two different sauces, one with meat, and one without meat. There will be several people assisting with the preparation. In case of inclement weather, the dinner will be held at the pavilion. For more information, contact Ms. Norton at The Garage in DeTour. The phone number is (906) 748-0661.

Members of the DeTour girls volleyball program will have a can and bottle return drive, to help defray costs for tournament fees, uniforms, and other costs. The drive will be Sunday, July 6, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the DeTour Shell station. You may drop off cans at that time, or you may have them picked up. To make arrangements, contact Misty Barbeaux at (906) 297-5009, Sara Galarowic at (906) 297-5930, or phone the Shell at (906) 297-2731 the day of the drive.

Have a safe, and happy Fourth of July holiday. Keep this thought in mind: We all have hometown appetites, longing for the simplicity of good taste once enjoyed on the farm or in the hometown left behind.