ST. CHRYSOSTOME, P.E.I. — When the P.E.I. COVID-19 circuit breaker was announced on Dec. 6, Devon Saila had to cancel the annual Christmas party with her Beach Goats.
When restrictions eased shortly before Christmas, Saila didn’t have enough time to resume the event. Instead, she adapted and put on the first New Year’s Day party with the Beach Goats.
“It turned out really well,” said Saila. “The weather was beautiful, but it’s the first time we’ve done it.”
At the party, visitors could make crafts, gather around a campfire and hang out with the Nigerian dwarf goats, which were dressed in festive outfits.
One thing Saila did differently for the New Year’s party was have a craft where guests could make confetti poppers with toilet paper rolls, balloons and cereal to ring in 2021.
“People could make them and then pop cereal to the goats, which the goats really enjoyed,” said Saila.
New Years Day Fun. Welcome 2021... I hope the year is as bright and cheerful as today was!
Posted by Beach Goats on Friday, 1 January 2021
Last year, the Christmas party brought in 150 people. This year, the New Year’s Party saw around 60 people come and go throughout the day.
Saila thinks the cold weather was the cause of the decreased number, rather than COVID-19. Throughout the pandemic, the Beach Goats have stayed busy.
“We’ve found that a lot more people have come out, and a lot more families have enjoyed being with each other and looking for … outdoor things to do,” said Saila.
Saila enjoyed throwing a New Year’s party and hopes to continue it again next year in addition to the Christmas party.
Fast facts:
- Located on Route 11, St. Chrysostome
- 12 Nigerian dwarf goats
- Three Alpine goats
Kristin Gardiner is the Journal Pioneer's rural reporter.
