Cathy Dobson
The Civic Holiday weekend tradition of Captain Kidd Days in Corunna will have even more to offer this year, says chairman Geoff Dale.
“We work really hard to blend good adult entertainment at night and focus on the kids during the day.”
The four-day festival kicks off Thursday with a family movie night. Friday features the Miss Teen and Little Miss Corunna pageants, two-pitch and beer gardens.
Saturday is parade day starting at 11 a.m. It takes about half an hour to wind along the main street of Corunna, followed by the opening of Kids Zone at Athletic Park at noon.
Kids Zone is a smorgasbord of fun ranging from a reptile zoo and volleyball tournament to face painting, yoga and Zumba for kids.
New this year is a disco ball inflatable that pumps out tunes while the kids jump. Jayden the Jester is entertaining and there’s a 25-foot rock wall, paddleboats and a toddler zone.
Admission is $4 per child or $10 for families with more than two kids.
The adults can enjoy a two-pitch tournament all afternoon.
Kids Zone is on from noon Sunday again with a talent show scheduled for 1 p.m. and open mic at 3 p.m.
The gates close to children 8:30 p.m. Friday to Sunday when the bands begin for those 19 and older. Tickets each night are just $5 to enjoy a combination of local and out-of-town music.
Friday features Snakebite, London’s Country Band of the Year, followed by Sarnia’s Scott Manery & The Barnburners, then local country crooner Eric Ethridge.
Saturday’s lineup includes local bands Highway Jones and The Rapids, then See Spot Run, a Captain Kidd favourite that’s returning for the third year.
“We booked them the week after last year’s show because they have such a big following in this area. They’re just fantastic,” said Dale. See Spot Run intends to release their new album Saturday night in Corunna.
Sunday’s Captain Kidd stage has Roundhouse and Pistols at Noon from the local area, followed by fireworks at 10 p.m., and then The Orangeman from Toronto.
Dale describes The Orangeman as the quintessential Captain Kidd band.
“With songs from the ‘80s and ‘90s, they are a good time party band in orange suits and calling themselves names like Vitamin C and OJ,” he said.
A volunteer committee of eight has got the formula for a successful event down, said Dale. Between $12,000 and $15,000 is given to charity annually. The 2016 recipients will be Corunna Minor Baseball, Mooretown Flags, St. Clair Parks and Rec, and The Moore Optimist Club.
And for the first time, Bad Dog Bar & Grill is sponsoring a shuttle service throughout Corunna each night.
IF YOU GO:
WHAT: 31st annual Captain Kidd Days
WHERE: Athletic Park, Corunna.
WHEN: July 29 – July 31
TICKETS: $4 per child for Kids Zone, $10 per family. $5 admission after 8:30 p.m. for nightly entertainment.
The Arts Journal is a weekly feature about cultural projects and events in our community. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or 226-932-0985.