Cortes Day

Cortes Day is a collaborative annual event that is supported by a number of community organizations and individuals. The SCCA is proud to be the keystone organizer and funder, to carry on the more than 70-year tradition of a great community gathering open to locals and tourists alike. There is no charge to attend, and the day’s attractions include a parade, live music all afternoon, fresh-grilled burgers and accoutrements, games, vendors, information booths from Cortes groups and organisation, and more. It’s a day to celebrate this beautiful island and the community that makes it so uniquely alive!

Cortes Day

Smelt Bay Provincial Park – July 2026

Cortes Day begins with a parade at 11am, followed by a day filled with fun activities for children and adults. Come and explore the beautiful offerings provided by local artisans and crafts people, enjoy a gourmet burger, pie and ice cream, check out the chicken poop contest, or the nail, sail and bail race, and enjoy a line up of live music.

Everyone is welcome with the exception of the four-legged family members – please leave them at home. The Park does provide latrines. This is a family event and is not licensed for alcohol consumption. Bring sun protection and water.

Nail, Sail, Bail!

We invite two person teams to register for the annual Nail, Sail & Bail competition. Teams gather on the beach at 12pm to start to design and then build a sea worthy vessel using materials provided. At 3pm, participants then must race their boat around a course. For more information or to register a team, email: office@mansonshall.org