Hundreds of people gathered Sunday to remember better times and the close ties of a dying community on the eastern shore of Newfoundland's northern peninsula.

Musicians, games and dancing were featured in farewell parties that sprang up everywhere for people planning to move out of the tiny port of Great Harbour Deep.

Founded 350 years ago, the former French settlement is scheduled to become a ghost town in the fall.

All of its 80 families have agreed to leave after fighting for years for better transportation and health services.

Adding to the isolation was economic hardship brought on by the cod moratorium imposed 10 years ago.

Town council approached the provincial government last year and asked for money to help residents start new lives elsewhere.

One of many farewell parties

The government agreed in April to give every family between $80,000 and $100,000.

When it announced the compensation package, the government said the $5 million it would cost to move everyone out would be less than the cost of providing services for so few.

The only way in and out of Great Harbour Deep is by float plane or a three-hour ferry ride on the Lady Rosella.

Geraldine Ropson

Geraldine Ropson, who moved to Great Harbour Deep 22 years ago, said the feeling of community always made up for the isolation.

"To me it's like someone holding out their arms and saying, 'Here. Come.'"

Festival organizer Sharon Elgar said it was an emotional weekend, with many people making final preparations to leave.

She said many had been hanging on for the farewell festival and would likely start leaving after the weekend.

Sunday's turnout, she said, was a bit of a surprise for what was supposed to be just a local festival.

"Every time the ferry makes a trip, well she's pretty well loaded," she said. "And for this weekend alone, we're probably going to see 300 to 350 visitors."