Long may you big jib draw!

March 19, 2016 · 0 Comments

The Shelburne Legion, Branch 220 held its annual Newfie Night on Saturday to celebrate all things that our wonderful province to the east has to offer.

When you entered the Legion’s back hall, the first thing you saw were the down-home decorations that included a lighthouse, a fisherman sitting beside his lobster trap, maps of the island, also known to many as the Rock, a Newfoundland flag, as well as paper fish strung on fishing lines hanging from the ceiling. Even the Legion’s volunteers dressed the part and wore their rubbers.

The evening started with a scrumptious traditional Newfoundland scoff consisting of boiled cottage roll, potatoes, turnip, cabbage, carrots, baked beans, and a fresh roll was piled high on plates. This wonderful meal was cooked by members of the legion, and was followed with live entertainment by DJ Bernie and Boys.

Partway through the evening, a large number of those in attendance took part in the Screech-In Ceremony. This is where an islander welcomes a mainlander. The mainlander must kiss a cod (and yes, it was a real fish) and answer the question, “Is ye a screecher?”

The appropriate answer is, “Deed I is, me old cock, and long may your big jib draw.”

This translates to: may you have good fortune for a long time, at which point the mainlander drinks a shot of rum, knowm as screech. Each participant then received an official certificate stating they had officially been Screeched-In.

The remainder of the evening saw the entire dance floor packed with dancers, with the band playing a large selection of down-home Newfie jigs that had the crowd bouncing up and down.

If you missed it this year, make sure to mark your calendars for next year, Lard Tunderin’.

For more information on events being held at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 220, look for their weekly column in this paper, find them on Facebook, or call them at (519) 925-3800.

By Michelle Janzen