SKINNERS POND, P.E.I. – In one of his later works, Stompin’ Tom Connors sang “I am the wind,” and if that’s the case, his presence was certainly felt in Skinners Pond Sunday.
On a blustery, cool Canada Day, the legendary songwriter left another mark on the tiny West Prince community he considered home, when his Canada’s Walk of Fame Hometown Star was unveiled there.
When Anne Arsenault, executive director of the Stompin’ Tom Centre, came to the podium during the ceremony, she was overcome with emotion. Although words failed her, tears clearly expressed how much she appreciated the Connors family choosing the centre as the permanent home for Tom’s Hometown Star.
The late Tom Connors’ star was placed on Canada’s Walk of Fame in November of 2017, recognizing the legacy of the iconic songwriter and musician who sold nearly five million records.
A new initiative this year, Canada’s Walk of Fame Hometown Stars program is honouring the 2017 inductees with a permanent star in their hometown, mounted at a location of their choice.
Jeffrey Latimer, CEO of Canada’s Walk of Fame, said the Hometown Stars program “allows us to tell the stories of the inductees” who overcame obstacles to pursue their dreams and “became loved the world over.”
As for Connors, “Our identity lives and breathes through the stories and music he wrote.”
Latimer also told the crowd about meeting Stompin’ Tom.
“He told me, ‘Of all the people I’ve ever met, you’re one of them,’” rousing some hearty laughter from the audience.
In addition to the Hometown Star plaques, “Canada’s Walk of Fame is contributing to the communities that helped shape the inductees,” he said in announcing a $10,000 contribution to the Tignish Cultural Centre to start up a stringed instrument program.
Tom’s son, Taw Connors, who was part of the entertainment lineup for the weekend’s second annual Stompin’ Tom Fest, said that after spending a few days in Skinners Pond, he could see why his father kept returning here.
“They welcome you like you’re one of the family.”
Taw said his father’s legacy was his songs, written about people from every corner of this country.
“He left something for everyone in his songs.”
“Whatever I do, in my writing, I do it for others. I do it for my country and I do it for my countrymen and that’s the only value that I really have. If there was no money in this, I’d be doing it anyway. I’ve always been that way, because it’s what I am.”
Stompin’ Tom Connors in a 2008 interview
