Tyne Valley Oyster Festival community awards recognizes caring citizens

“He has always been an old soul,” said Jackie. “He was always concerned with the welfare of others if they were sad or didn’t have something he thought they might like that he had.”

Carter’s lifetime of community devotion was recognized Sunday in Tyne Valley at the annual Oyster Festival’s community awards.

There, the 17-year-old Bayside resident received youth of the year.

Carter volunteers his time with the Miscouche Fire Department.

“I enjoy it,” he said. “It’s something I can do to help my community, while having a good time.”

It’s important to him to help as much as he can, because his community has done so much for him.

“It’s very special,” he said of being acknowledged.

Jackie is proud of her son.

“He’s a great young man; he’s sincere and hardworking.”

As well, Adam MacLennan and Robert Noye were awarded volunteer of the year and citizen of the year, respectively.

Noye, from Port Hill, emceed the Oyster Festival event.

“It means so much to be able to give, especially with the younger generation coming up. It gives them an inspiration to take part when they get older.”

Noye added children having fun during the festival is the highlight each year.

“It’s quite an honour,” he said, standing on stage, award in hand.

Adam MacLennan, vice chair of the Tyne Valley Oyster Festival, loves his community.

“We have the best parade; we have a great concert, and we have the only soapbox derby in P.E.I.”

MacLennan said so many people willingly volunteer their time to the event, which makes it a huge success.

He added the festival, which was established in 1964, was one of the greatest to date.

“It’s nice to get recognition every now and then, but you do it because you like it,” he said.

Planning for next year begins shortly.

“Nobody takes a paycheck; they just want to put their community on the map, and we’ve done that over the last couple of years,” said MacLennan.

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