I’m told that it all started with a fish and chips platter, not just any platter, but the Cornwall Legion’s famous Friday night fare. From that comfort meal was borne the inspiration for our Winter Gala’s theme of a Newfoundland Kitchen Party. The decorations are simple, mostly nautical, a fishing net on the wall, a captain figurine, wooden spoons in a jar, and goldfish crackers here and there. Guests, who were encouraged to dress the part, are arriving, some outfitted in fishing gear. Others include an oil rig worker and staff from a Fish and Chips shack.
Our general meeting occurs prior to the meal and in keeping with the theme, it starts with an address spoken in Acadian French by Captain Normand, also known as the Club President. He describes the eighty-one activities of 2025 as a ‘bon craic,’ (fun time.) He then hands over the helm to Navigator Kevin, better known as the Activity Officer, to provide the English version. His delivery is laced with colourful Newfoundland expressions such as ‘a fine lop on,’ which translates to ‘a tasty meal.’ In true provincial dialect, he ends his speech with a thank you in the form of ‘God loves your cotton socks.’
It is now time to award our Tommy Chretien Award, an annual award chosen by secret ballot and given to the person who most exemplifies the spirit of the club. This year’s recipient wins by a majority. She is Soo-Ja Lee, an octogenarian and long-time member who resides in Montreal. Soo-Ja is always up for an adventure and is well known for providing rice and her special Korean BBQ at our cottage weekend events.
It is true that food brings people together and tonight’s seafood, the ‘pièce de résistance,’ gets rave reviews. With a crispy golden batter and a flaky tender interior, it is delectable. Once sated from our ‘scoff’ as the locals would say, it is time to kick up our heels. No Newfoundland party would be complete without an abundance of lively tunes. The Rusted Bucket Band warms up the room with a couple of rock songs. The Kitchen Party is underway! A troupe of actors composed of club members take centre stage performing a hilarious skit to “Seven Old Ladies,” a traditional pub song about elderly women stuck in a public restroom for a week. Their costumes are cleverly crafted and quite amusing. Did I mention that two of these old ladies are not females at all?
It is a tough act to follow, but it’s not over yet. Costumed guests are invited to parade to the dance floor and get the ‘scuff’, or dance, officially started. Out come the ugly sticks, unique to the province and embodying the cultural spirit. Typically made from mops or broom handles, they are adorned with noise makers such as bottle caps, bells, and tin cans, with an old boot at its base. They are played with a drumstick and by rhythmic banging on the floor, the louder the better. They are a joyful enhancement to the band’s percussion for its “Drunken Sailor” and “Margaritaville” renditions. The sticks can also double as canes for those having trouble staying on their feet, like these little old ladies for instance. The ugly sticks are associated with mummering, a regional practice during the Christmas season of barging into neighbour’s homes in disguises with face coverings and noise makers. Once the mummers’ identities are uncovered, they stay to party before moving on next door. Having never been to Newfoundland, I must confess that I learned of this tradition by watching “Son of Critch,” a Canadian sitcom set in St. John’s.
I don’t know what the newcomers, who have yet to partake in an outdoor activity with us, make of all this fanfare. What must they think of their first meeting with us when we tell them that as new members, they will have to be screeched in. We are referring to the quirky Newfoundland tradition of kissing the cod, usually a frozen one, followed by a shot of a strong local rum. I hope they come back!
We’ve had a great time, and I am not sure how we will top this for our next gala. If tonight’s party plans began with a mere plate of food, who knows what next year will bring?
For more information about the Cornwall Outdoor Club, visit our website at www.cornwalloutdoorclub.ca or follow us on Facebook.
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