We arrived at Cortes Day later in the day, but still in time to photos of the New Old Time Chautauqua, the Nail, Sail & Bail beach race and some of the booths.
The New Old Time Chautauqua kicked off their 2026 Aqua Chaytauqua ‘Eau Canada’ Tour on Cortes Island. Their flotilla sailed into Smelt Bay on June 17, on a mission ‘to awaken communities on both sides of the United States-Canada border to the ecological reality that the Salish Sea is a single, connected watershed — and that its survival depends on treating it as one.’ They are also a community of music, theatre, circus arts, and old-fashioned community performers, building on a tradition of travelling Chautauquas that can be traced back to 1874.
According to their website, “The New Old Time Chautauqua was founded in 1981 by a group of adventurous performers, health care practitioners, and educators including the Flying Karamazov Brothers and Dr. Patch Adams. The idea was to revive the inspiring Chautauqua spirit and bring live entertainment and educational workshops to diverse rural communities.”
They led the Cortes Day Parade, adding a special nautical arm, and escorted the Nail, Sail & Bail boats down to the beach. They also gave free workshops in Kumi Himo: the art of Japanese braiding; Make a Flower Crown!; Hula Hooping and Juggling and Latin American Music
The highlight of the troupe’s visit was a free community performance at Mansons Hall, which was followed by a potluck and performance at Klahoose the following day.
Over the course of the next three weeks, the New Old Time Chautauqua will be performing on Quadra Island, July 21–23; Hornby Island, July 25–27; Denman Island, July 29–30; and Gabriola Island on August 1, before returning home to the United States.
Nail, Sail & Bail Race
The climax of every Cortes Day is the Nail, Sail & Bail beach race. For the first time ever, many of the boats were covered in plastic. Several vessals were more streamlined, but the winner (photos at the top of the page and at the end of the race sequence) had a more traditional design.
Some Cortes Day Booths
Here are a few photos of the booths.
Cortes Day is a collaborative event organized by the Southern Cortes Community Association (SCCA) and supported by many local organizations and volunteers, including the Cortes Community Foundation and Folk U.
Links of Interest
Undesignated photos by Roy L Hales
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