ENTERTAINMENT

In Orwell Cove, many fundraising functions were held in the upstairs hall of the schoolhouse. One of these functions included the Christmas school concerts. The concerts consisted of choruses, drills, dialogues, and recitations. Everyone had an opportunity to participate, and gifts were placed by the Christmas tree to be distributed by Santa Claus. The community awaited the concert in anticipation and if missed, there was great disappointment.

Residents of Orwell Cove hold a Christmas tree lighting party each year. This yearly event was thought up by Michael and Perle McKenna about eight years ago, with Clifford and Shirley McLeod hosting the first one. The party is held at a different home each year. A tree is put up outside the hosts' home during the second week of December. The host then chooses a night for the party, and everyone in the district is invited to take part. Residents sing songs, read stories from the Bible that pertain to the birth of Jesus, and read Christmas stories or poems outside by the tree. The tree is officially lit and everyone goes inside the hosts' house for lunch and an evening of friendly conversation.22

"Meet Your Neighbour Day" was first held in 1989. The event brings together both new and long established residents of On/vell Cove. On Sunday, August 21, 1994, in the home of Edison and Lucille MacLean, close to 70 people of Orwell Cove met for this event. Everyone brought food for a pot luck meal, which was served on their lawn. All are looking fon/vard to the next one.

During the winter months in Orwell Cove, the residents take part in many activities. Some gathered to play forty-fives, whist, and poker, which were the usual games played. When playing forty— fives the amount paid by the loser was five cents. Sometimes the children would be up early following the card game at home to find money lost on the floor. Five cents was a big find as it

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22 Taken from Eastern Graphic Article, 1992.

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