Tara Jeffrey
Reptiles, rock climbing, paddle boats, a drive-in movie and Ontario’s largest inflatable are set to take over the Corunna Athletic Park for the 30th annual Captain Kidd Days.
“We’re really focused on the kids,” said Geoff Dale, co-chair of a committee dedicated to making the small-town event a bit bigger each year.
“That’s been our mandate for the past few years; we kept hearing that the number one thing people wanted was more kids stuff.”
The 30th anniversary celebration (July 30 to Aug. 2) is set to be the biggest in years, said Dale, noting a four-day stretch, kicking off with a kids’ Drive In movie Thursday at dusk.
Events continue Friday with the Fringe Beauty Miss Teen Corunna/Little Miss Corunna pageant, followed by a parade Saturday, and a large-scale Kids Zone, sponsored by Danbury Homes, that runs through Sunday.
Nightly entertainment includes Sarnia’s Eric Ethridge and Scott Manery & The Barnburners (Friday), See Spot Run and Bobnoxious (Saturday), with Chemical Valley and The Mudmen closing out the weekend, along with Sunday night fireworks.
A beach volleyball tournament runs Saturday, with proceeds going to Noelle’s Gift, while the Earl Doan baseball tournament runs all weekend, with the winners awarded the Patti Devereaux Memorial Trophy, named after the longtime organizer who passed away in 2011.
In honour of the 30th anniversary, the committee will also have a large screen on display at the park, showing photos from years past.
“It’s basically a very nostalgic feel; we wanted to recognize the history of this event,” said Dale.
Last year, the event drew 5,000 people over the weekend and raised $15,000. Proceeds go to Corunna Minor Baseball, the Mooretown Flags, the Optimist Club of Moore, Noelle’s Gift and St. Clair Parks & Recreation.
“Because we have such great sponsorship, we can spend the year planning, and we’re able to amp it up each year,” said Dale, noting Shell Canada has been the title sponsor the past few years.
“We’ve heard a lot of amazing feedback, and that just keeps us going.
“We all enjoy it.”
For full event details and schedule, visit the Captain Kidd Days page on Facebook.