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By Corinne Fitzherbert

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Speak Up

There's going to be a whole lotta shakin' goin' on at the Tobique Homecoming in Plaster Rock from Aug. 1-4. An Elvis impersonator will be swinging his hips on Main Street on Saturday, Aug. 2 during the street festival from noon to 4 p.m.

The Elvis Presley impersonator will perform in the center of the village and businesses will celebrate by offering shoppers sales and specials. Some will also have treats for the children.

The Tobique Homecoming schedule is full of events for the entire family. The fun begins on Friday, Aug. 1 with registration starting at Donald Fraser Memorial School at 6:30 p.m. and continuing until 10 p.m. There will be a talent show from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. where the most "beautiful" belle on the Tobique will be crowned. The Homecoming "queen" will be crowned at the conclusion of the event and will reign over the weekend's activities. The show will also feature a variety of Tobique talent.

Also on Friday, Aug. 1, there will be a quilt and artisan show and sale at the Tobique-Plex from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is by donation and the show will include some of the finest examples of stitchery and craftsmanship available on the Tobique.

The Homecoming continues on Saturday, Aug. 2 with a parade from the Plaster Rock Tourist Park starting at 11 a.m. All those interested in entering a float are asked to contact Patty St. Peter or Lorena Fournier at 356-6071. School classes, businesses, groups and organizations are encouraged to enter the parade.

The Main Street festival will continue throughout the afternoon and everyone can enjoy specials not only in local stores but also restaurants. Some establishments will be offering free treats for the kids in addition to bargains.

The quilt and artisan show and sale will continue from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Tobique-Plex on Saturday.

The giant Homecoming dance will be held on Saturday night from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the Tobique-Plex. This will be the first time the new facility has hosted the celebration and it is expected to draw a large crowd. Musical entertainment will be provided by Flat Top, Toronto Independent Music Award winners.

On Sunday, Aug. 3, events will start with a Homecoming church service at 9 a.m. A golf outing will begin at 10 a.m. at the Plaster Rock Golf Club. A park party will be held at the Plaster Rock Tourist Park from 2 to 4 p.m. and will include games, swimming, face painting and a barbecue.

Plaster Rock has become well-known for its pyrotechnical expertise and the fireworks display planned for Sunday night will delight Homecoming participants of all ages. Musical entertainment and the fireworks show will be held at Tobique Valley Middle School starting at 9:30 p.m.

The farewell breakfast will be held at the Tobique Lions Community Center from 8 to 11 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 4. New Brunswick Day Awards of Merit will be handed out to deserving individuals in the community starting at 10:30 a.m.

Homecoming passes are $50 per family with children 18 and under. Single passes are $30. Passes do not include the golf outing. Individual admission to the talent show is $7 per adult or $3 for children 12 and under, the Homecoming dance is $15 per person or $25 per couple, the park party is $5 per person and the golf tournament is $18 per person. The breakfast is $8 per adult or $4 for children 12 and under.

Members of the Homecoming committee have worked hard throughout the summer to put together the schedule. Committee members include Paulette Taylor, Lois Jensen, Patty St. Peter, Lorena Fournier, Suzanne Mullin, Valorie Briggs, Shawna DeMerchant, Mary Linton, Judy St. Peter, Marcia Cathcart, Carolyn Johnson, John Sharkey, Kyle Jensen and Danny Braun.

A variety of merchandise decorated with the Homecoming logo will be available throughout the weekend. Residents are asked to decorate their houses and properties with twinkling white mini lights to welcome Tobiquers home.