As we pack away the paddles, stack the docks, and wave farewell to another glorious season, it’s time for our annual look back at the summer that was. The loons sang, the water sparkled, and the bugs reminded us that paradise always bites back. Between lazy swims, corn roasts, and a few heroic rescues of runaway canoes, Methuen Lake once again proved why we love it here.

The Methuen Summer Circuit: A Season of Events

It wasn’t just a season of dock lounging — Methuen Lake was alive with friendly competition, laughter, and plenty of stories that will grow taller every year.

Canada Day Boat Parade & Fireworks
The lake turned into a sea of red and white as our nautical parade set sail under a perfect evening sky. Barb and Jim led the charge, followed by a flotilla of festively decorated vessels whose enthusiasm far outpaced their steering. 
The fireworks were, as always, a showstopper. Huge thanks to the Finlays and Sambrooks for lighting up the night sky — and doing it without singeing their eyebrows. Echoes rolled down the lake, loons provided backup vocals, and even the mosquitoes paused to admire the display.

Civic Holiday Picnic & AGM
The Civic Holiday weekend brought record crowds to our picnic and AGM — proof that the promise of food and prizes can make even a business meeting irresistible.

• Egg Toss: Congratulations to Shannon and Eric Jones, our new champions who proudly report that the trophy has found its forever home — and won’t be leaving without a serious rematch.
• Kids’ Games & Fishpond: Laura, Adrienne, and Trisha led chaos-filled games that were pure chaos – but the joyful, shrieking kind. Meanwhile, Sue and Gerry’s fishpond convinced a generation of kids that fishing is both fun and comes with prizes; imagine their disappointment when their next catch doesn’t yield a Barbie doll.
• Hot Dogs & Raffles: A heroic effort from the Bernardos, armed with just one pair of tongs, kept the hot dogs coming. And thanks to everyone for raffle donations — especially the kids who blew their entire allowances on tickets.

A huge thank-you to everyone who helped with setup, games, and cleanup — your efforts turned a great day into a truly memorable one. Don’t forget to check out photos from all the summer events, courtesy of our roving photographer, Karen, on the website.

Annual Association Events

Fishing Derby 
Our annual Bass Fishing Derby drew an impressive crowd of anglers and optimists. The junior anglers showed serious skill, proving they’re not just small people with fishing rods — they’re genuine contenders who keep adults on their toes. And a hearty congratulations to Warren Barnard, a fully grown adult, who landed the largest bass — reportedly about the size of a canoe paddle (and growing slightly with every retelling). Honourable mention to anyone who caught anything other than weeds.

Fun Run 
The fourth annual Methuen Lake Fun Run took place on a perfect fall morning, with runners and walkers setting off in good spirits. Everyone finished, no one got lost, and the finish-line muffins disappeared faster than you could say “carb loading.” Winners (once again!) were Shannon and Eric Jones — no trophies this time, just the sweet joy of bragging rights.

Golf Competition 
At the annual Methuen Scramble, friendly rivalry met creative scorekeeping. Drives were occasionally straight, lost balls were record-setting, and laughter was guaranteed. Congratulations to Team Sandtrap Survivors for narrowly edging out The Mulligans.

Sailing Regatta 
With zero wind, our sailors spent the afternoon as human washing machines: tillers spinning madly, sails flopping limper than that dishcloth you meant to wring out three hours ago. Brightly colored sails against calm green water created a scene so serene it could have been a slow-motion screensaver. Sometimes peaceful, sometimes frustrating, and sometimes slower than a turtle — yes, a turtle could have overtaken them. Thanks to the Bernardos for organizing, cheering, and reminding sailors that “you’re nearly there!” — true in terms of distance, not time.

Book Club 
The Methuen Book Club met faithfully through the summer thanks to host Martha. They tackled novels, biographies, and at least one book no one actually finished but everyone had opinions on. Lively debates, snacks, and coffee ensured that even unread chapters were thoroughly discussed. Highlights included a spirited debate over whether anyone actually finished The Covenant of Water.

Corn Roast 
We wrapped up the summer with the Annual Corn Roast: fresh local corn, potluck dishes, enough butter to make a cardiologist weep, and memories to last a lifetime. Thanks to the Bernardos for hosting, and to Barb and Jim Millar for grilling corn to gourmet perfection. There was dancing, birthdays, incredible food, and, of course, the unforgettable moment when shots were served off a hockey stick — you had to be there.

Association Executive

• Chair: Bill Reid
• Vice Chair: Trisha Lichtenberger
• Treasurer: Sheila Finlay
• Secretary: Alistair Munro
• Lake Steward: Brooke Millar

Emails & Contacts

• General: methuenlakeca@gmail.com
• Chair: chair@methuenlake.online
• Secretary: secretary@methuenlake.online
• Website password: havelock (all lowercase)