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What began as a casual idea for a music gathering has grown into one of Charlotte County’s most anticipated summer traditions. The Mariner’s Music Fest, now in its third year, runs from August 11 to 16, bringing together residents and visitors for a week of performances, sports, and community celebrations.

The festival traces its roots to retired teacher Ann Dewar and a group of former students who simply wanted to host a party big enough to bring people together.

“We didn’t have an association,” Dewar recalled. “We decided we wanted to have a party, and we had to find a place large enough to host it.”

That first party sparked something larger. Encouraged to formalize their efforts, the group created the Mariner’s Alumni Association and staged a one-day event. Local enthusiasm quickly transformed it into a multi-day festival, with a program that now spans Eastern Charlotte.

This year’s schedule reflects the festival’s expanding scope: a drumming circle, a seniors’ tea, a night at the pub, and a three-on-three basketball tournament, alongside a lineup of concerts. Venues, ranging from Fundy High School to the St. George Curling Club, will host performances and gatherings throughout the week.

“I’m amazed at how many of the community members have stepped up and offered to help us,” Dewar said.

Music, however, remains the heart of the celebration. Past highlights include a show by local singer Sandy Leland, which Dewar said “blew us all away.” This summer’s headliner is Artificially Hip, a Tragically Hip tribute band expected to draw a major crowd.

The festival has also produced moments that go beyond entertainment, underscoring its role as a gathering place. Last year, two sisters who had been separated for 40 years reunited at the event.

“There were tears of joy,” Dewar said. “It was just overwhelming.”

Organizing and financing the festival remain ongoing challenges, and Dewar stresses the importance of volunteers and sponsorships to keep it sustainable. Even so, its impact has already spread beyond St. George, attracting visitors from across Charlotte County and further afield.

“It’s nice to be able to provide the community with something positive,” Dewar said.

Looking ahead, she hopes the festival will continue to grow—bringing in bigger acts while holding onto the spirit of homecoming and shared music that sparked it in the first place.