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Fenestration Canada AGM attendees have a blast in St. John’s

June 6, 2013 – Any organization looking to have fun at its conference should put St. John's, N.L., at the top of its list. Fenestration Canada members found this out at the association's annual general meeting held May 29 to June 1 in Newfoundland's capital.

June 6, 2013 – Any organization looking to have fun at its conference should put St. John's, N.L., at the top of its list. Fenestration Canada members found this out at the association's annual general meeting held May 29 to June 1 in Newfoundland's capital.

Start with George Street – the members did. Shortly after the business of committee meetings wrapped up on the first day, members were convened in the lovely atrium of the St. John's Sheraton hotel where they were greeted by tour guides who welcomed them to the island and explained the plan for the evening.

Newfoundland native George Warren of Centennial Windows and Doors led the charge on George Street with a little help from his friends. Anyone needing dancing lessons should contact George at his office. Advertisement

Then the drums fired up, and delegates were marched out to the buses to get ferried down to George Street: an historical strip about a kilometer long that is packed shoulder to shoulder with clubs, pubs, and restaurants. Great Atlantic-style music met the delegates at each location, along with tasty beverages and delicious cod and chips. After a drink or two at each location, the drums would start up and off the group would march to the next intriguing location. One pub featured a step dancing lesson from three very talented young ladies, and many delegates were only too eager to try. Finally, the night really got going when everyone ended at the Dusk Lounge and members danced the night away to a live rock band. Several delegates went back to George Street on subsequent nights (and mornings).

The musical talent on George Street was impressive. Excellent guitar players with great voices seemed to be everywhere. Even the boat captain on the the whale-watching tour was a great singer.

The scenery in Newfoundland and St. John's is breathtaking, and delegates got a chance to enjoy some of the best of it with excursions to Cape Spear, the easternmost point in North America, and a whale-watching tour to the Witless Bay conservation area. Whale watchers were fortunate to see an early humpback whale, in addition to countless puffins, murres and even two bald eagles. The rocky cliffs sloping to the ocean and the rolling terrain are unlike any other landscape in Canada. A group of determined golfers took on a windy Clovelly course.

Thar she blows!

Excellent fish and seafood were on the menu for every meal, including the fancy President's Dinner where delegates were wined and dined by the top-notch Sheraton cooks and staff. Members were entertained by more talented Maritime musicians during dinner, then wrapped up the conference with a big party featuring the cover band Stix and Stones.

The President's Dinner wrapped up the conference in style.

More photos from the conference are available on Glass Canada's Facebook page.

Related links
www.fenestrationcanada.ca