Tara Jeffrey
Corunna’s annual Captain Kidd Days continue to grow thanks to overwhelming support from the community, organizers say.
“We’ve noticed within the last two or three years a substantial amount of local industry and business stepping up huge, which allows us to spend the year planning, rather than asking for money,” said co-chair, Geoff Dale.
“That’s definitely a huge impact.”
The Aug. 3 to 6 event happening at the Corunna Athletic Park has added a three-on-three ball hockey tournament slated for the Saturday, with a focus on mental health awareness.
“Within our committee, it has affected all of us, and we wanted to do something,” said Dale, noting this year’s volunteer shirts will promote suicide awareness with the slogan ‘Stand Up!’” Proceeds from the tournament support St. Clair Child & Youth, Sarnia-Lambton Rebound and the Canadian Mental Health Association Lambton-Kent.
“It’s not just a youth issue,” added co-chair Jeff Peters. “We really want to get a dialogue going.”
Some 5,000 people made their way to the park for last year’s event, which brought in about $15,000 for Corunna Minor Baseball, Mooretown Minor Hockey Moms, Mooretown Flags, and 1st Corunna Scouting.
The 32nd annual event kicks off with the free Mainstreet family outdoor movie Aug. 3 at dusk. Other events include the Miss Teen Corunna Pageant, annual parade, beach volleyball tournament to benefit Noelle’s Gift, the Earl Doan Two-Pitch tournament (winner receives the Patti Deveraux Memorial Trophy in honour of the long-time event organizer), the Danbury Homes Kids Zone, pony rides, youth talent show, fireworks presented by Riverview Family Dental, and three nights of live music that includes Scott Manery and the Barnburners, Orangeman, Kira Jade Nixon, See Spot Run, Rob Jenkins and the Room, Shawn Brady and the Northern Sons, and more.
A free shuttle provided by Bad Dog will be offered Friday through Sunday after 10 p.m.
For more info on the ball hockey tournament, email [email protected] or visit the Captain Kidd Day Baseball page for event details and full schedule.