This boat was rockin' Saturday (7 photos)

The M.S. Norgoma was alive with food, music and local vendors during the Rock the Boat fundraiser Saturday.

Will Hollingshead, who serves as manager/curator for the museum ship, says it’s the first time for the Rock the Boat event, and probably not the last.   

“It’s going to be our annual fundraiser for the season,” Hollingshead said. “We’re hoping — if we stay or if we go — we can run it again next year.”

“I think it’s been quite successful so far, great turnout.”

The M.S. Norgoma hosted a number of vendors peddling their food, drink, art, vintage clothing and albums on the second and third floors of the historic vessel, including:

• Outspoken Brewing

• Dryer Fire

• Project Sault Ste Marie

• Fringe

• Winnie B's

• OOSIK Records

• Scott Coffee Co.

• Canadian Shield Ceramics

• Same Difference Clothing

• Awaken Ink

• Twice Removed

• Puke Skywalker

“I figured to do this fundraiser, it would be really great to partner with as many groups from the community as possible,” Hollingshead said.

The ship’s curator credits Nicole Dyble, owner of Dryer Fire, for her help in putting the fundraiser together.  

“She basically jumped on board and helped us organize the whole third floor, so we partnered with a whole bunch of various local, vintage vendors, art vendors,” Hollingshead said.

The M.S. Norgoma will also be hosting its Night Market event on Thursday evenings beginning Aug. 2, which will feature ‘pay what you can’ produce and local vendors.

“We’re really trying to get the community into the ship and make the museum a relevant place for people,” Hollingshead said.

Proceeds from the Rock the Boat fundraiser will go toward assisting the M.S. Norgoma in restoration and renovation projects, as well as community outreach.

The M.S. Norgoma has been owned by the St. Mary's River Marine Heritage Centre for nearly four decades.