William Dale – Local Journalism Initiative
Published online August 12, 2026, at www.pontiacjournal.com
BRYSON – Rain may have forced a few last-minute adjustments outdoors, but community spirit remained undampened inside the Bryson Lions Hall as residents gathered for the annual Bryson Picnic and traditional Sea Pie supper over the August long weekend.
Co-organized by Revitalisation Bryson and the Bryson Lions Club, the annual picnic has served as a cornerstone summer gathering in the municipality for roughly 50 years. While planned outdoor festivities—including a Touch-a-Truck showcase, local artisans market, and a “Battle of the Badges” baseball game between local firefighters and police—were rained out or scaled back, the main attraction carried on without interruption inside.
Half a Century of Sea Pie Tradition
For most attendees, the heart of the event is the famous Sea Pie (cipaille) dinner, a traditional layered meat pie prepared using a time-honored recipe that has drawn generations of diners to the hall.
Lions Club member Paul Lacroix, who has been volunteering with the club for 13 years, noted that preparing the massive feast is a major operation requiring days of hard work from dedicated community members. To feed the hundreds of hungry visitors who line up every year, volunteers prepared over 600 pounds of meat, spent days cutting and assembled the massive cast-iron roasters on Saturday evening before baking.
“It’s like every other organization, you always need new people to keep things going as members get older,” Lacroix said “We had about 40 people signed up to help out this weekend. People have high expectations for the sea pie, and volunteers always make sure those expectations are met.”
Local Music Keeps Spirits High
Despite the wet weather shifting plans outside, live music filled the outside throughout the afternoon. Local musician and band Gary Cummings and Friends performed a lively set of country and valley tunes, giving the crowd plenty of reason to linger, socialize, and enjoy cold drinks after their meal.
Bryson Mayor Joanne Labadie praised the joint effort between the municipal revitalization committee and the Lions Club for keeping the tradition vibrant year after year, especially for long-time community members who look forward to the gathering every summer.
“The sea pie supper is something the Lions Club has been doing for over 50 years,” Mayor Labadie said. “Even with the rain forcing us to adjust the outdoor activities today, the music brought people together, and the older crowd who comes out every year got to enjoy the food, catch up with friends, and hear great local musicians.”
Photo: Garry Cummings and Friends perform under the pavilion to entertain attendees at the annual Bryson Sea Pie Supper.
