There are three words that begin with T that mark the start of summer in Norris Point.
Trails, Tales and Tunes are the words that get people in Norris Point excited about getting a break from the harsh winters experienced in Newfoundland and Labrador.
People from the local community come out in droves and people from all over the world flock to this picturesque place tucked away in Gros Morne to enjoy the sights and sounds of the annual Trails, Tales and Tunes festival.
Wayne Parsons is one of the happy faces you will run into during an action-packed week that got underway in Norris Point Friday, with a blue sky welcoming all hands.
Parsons, a resident of Norris Point since 1978, is an interpreter with BonTours in Rocky Harbour and Norris Point and the frontman for the group Anchors Aweigh, looks forward to hearing world-class music and fantastic storytelling every year at the festival.
The festival is the fuel that jumpstarts the tourism and business season for establishments in Norris Point and surrounding communities so it’s an exciting time of year.
“It’s a sign that summer is here. That’s so simply put, but that’s the way it is,” Parsons said Friday afternoon.
He was out and about Friday on the opening day and saw a lot of strangers walking around so he knew what time of year it was. He also saw a lot of the local folks walking the streets or filling up the local cafes and restaurants anxious to check out everything the festival has to offer.
“People are happy after being barred in all winter,” he said. “They are in a great mood, even if the weather is crappy. Last year we had a terrible weekend with snow and everybody was still in a good mood because people are so glad to get and take in some world-class music and check out the guided trails.”
Parsons believes the festival brings people together for a good time and he’s confident everybody will find something to make them smile when they arrive in the town over the next week.
Here is a look at some of the interesting events being held during the 2018 Trails, Tales and Tunes Festival being held this week in Norris Point:
Trails
May 19
Burnt Hill
Local guides and local lore
10-11 a.m.
May 20
Lobster Cove Head-Tidal Pools
Local guides and local lore
Meet at the Lighthouse Parking Lot
10 a.m.-12 p.m.
May 21
James Humber Heritage Walk at James Humber Trail
Local guides and local lore
Meet at J. A. Walsh Centre
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
May 22
Coastal Walk-Green Point
Meet at the Green Point Campground
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
May 24
Hike to the Base of Gros Morne Mountain — Mattie Mitchell Tribute Walk
Meet at the Gros Morne Mountain Hiking Trail parking lot
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
May 25
Cow Head Lighthouse
Meet at the amphitheatre
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
May 26
Baker’s Brook Falls (Little Pond Loop)
Meet at Berry Hill Parking Lot
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
May 27
Trails and Tails Bird Walk at Gros Morne/Norris Point KOA
With Darroch Whitaker
Meet at the KOA Campground
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Tales
May 19
Tales and Tunes Concert at Norris Point Town Hall
Entertainers include Richard Perso, Rex Brown, Emma Peckford, Bernard and Robert Felix, Rube and Rake
May 20
Tales and Tunes Concert at Norris Point Town Hall
Entertainment: Folk of the Bay
8 -10 p.m.
May 22
Marine Night at the Bonne Bay Marine Station
Stories, film and songs of the sea
Featuring Allison Eaton, 1967 film “Children of Fogo”, Shirley Montague, Jeff Anderson, Wayne Parsons and Anita Best
May 23
Woody Point Photo Hunt
Water taxi leaves Norris Point waterfront 10 a.m. and returns 1:30 p.m.
Meet at The Cat Stop
May 27
Tales and Tunes Closing Concert at Norris Point Town Hall
Entertainment: Bud Davidge, Dave Penny, Mena Lodge, Charlie Payne and Darren Vincent
8-10 p.m.
Tunes
May 19
A Time at the Lions Club
Entertainment: The Misfits
10 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
May 20
A Time at The Cat Stop
Entertainment: The Catch
10 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
May 21
Young Performers Showcase at Norris Point Town Hall
Entertainers include Nicole Higgins, Zoey Corbin Dwyer, Elizabeth Clarke, Danielle Duffy, Jillian Wight, Kaylee Gerrow, Dawson Greene, Kingston Hinks, Olivia Ayre and Braden Parsons
3-5 p.m.
May 22
A Time at The Cat Stop
Entertainment: Angus Stewart
9:30-11:30 p.m.
May 23
Sharecroppers 30th Anniversary Concert at Norris Point Town Hall
8-10 p.m.
May 24
Youth Open Mic at The Old Store Café
An open stage for young musicians
7-9 p.m.
May 25
A Time at The Cat Stop
Entertainment: Mark Bragg Band (Mark Bragg, Neil Targett, Ford Burden and Paul Lockyear)
10 p.m. to 12:30 p.m.
May 26
“Bridging the Gulf” at The Cat Stop
Students from Riverview High School in Sydney, N. S. take to the stage
3-4 p.m.
May 27
Closing Party at the Lions Club
Entertainment: Off the Cuff
10 p.m. to 12 midnight
