“The Shelburne Whirligig and Weathervane Festival is a unique attraction that draws in tourists and visitors. It has been a highlight to the community every year that it has been in operation by a dedicated group of volunteers. It is a colourful, creative, family-friendly event that welcomes artists from all across North America. The event showcases local folk artists as well as the whirligigs that are handmade at the Dory Shop museum, which are a major sales stream for the museum complex from my understanding. Shelburne is becoming known throughout the province as an artistic destination and the Whirligig Festival is a contributor to that reputation.
As someone who has sat on several boards and hosted events, I am aware of the time, energy and commitment that goes into providing these types of events for the public. If there is an interest by new volunteers to continue this great tradition that you have started, I hope that this event can be passed on to new hands and continue to help Shelburne shine. I know that personally, the Whirligig Festival was one event that I always attended and brought several visitors to over the years. They absolutely loved it! There are very few places I've been where you will see such creativity and engineering. Already, having put up my Shelburne whirligigs in Ontario, I have had many comments and people interested in where I got them from.”

— Julie Ferguson

“Whether artist or artisan, the person that builds a whirligig displays the humour and the skill that are part of the cultural make up of the province. To have an annual event where the creations of many of these talented people are on display in one place is both entertaining and inspirational.
Ever since my husband and I moved to Shelburne we have looked forward to the town’s annual Whirligig Festival. We admire the ingenuity and humour behind the designs and the skill involved involved in the creation of the “gigs” and are always eager to see the new entries for the year as well as the display of old favourites. We have even tried our hand at decorating and assembling several whirligigs ourselves from blanks supplied by the festival committee.
The activities for community involvement make it an enjoyable experience - whirligig painting and assembly workshops, people’s choice voting and of course the concession stands - there is something for everyone.”

— Barb Turney