Pam Wright
The Point Edward Optimist Club Bridge Bash returns July 19-20 with entertaining fun for young and old alike.
It’s a busy weekend as the Bash coincides with the start of the Mackinaw Yacht Race and ever-popular Rotary Pancake Breakfast, which runs 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday.
Bash spokesperson Stephen Dumont Saturday is devoted to families, with many free play events ongoing throughout the day and live music on the stage.
Things begin Friday evening when Round House make its Bridge Bash debut, after scoring the gig by winning a ‘Battle of the Bands’ contest at the Bottoms Up Bar & Grill.
Dumont, who owns the restaurant, said the young musicians beat out four other bands and are up the show.
“They are local and it’s really exciting,” he said.
Round House is followed by Blow Your Top, a ZZ Top tribute band, and Green River Revival, a Credence Clearwater Revival tribute.
Saturday night feature more familiar tunes. The Specialists tip their hat to Fleetwood Mac, Santana and Joe Bonamassa. And headliners Trilogy follow with the music of Foreigner, Journey and Styx.
A new event this year is the Saturday afternoon ‘kitchen party’ at the stage, where local musicians can come and jam.
“People can bring a guitar or a fiddle and just come and join in,” Dumont said, adding he’s expecting upwards of 30 musicians.
Also new this year is an area where concertgoers can bring lawn chairs.
All of the money raised at Bridge Bash is used to support young people.
“It really is about giving back,” he said. “One hundred percent of the money is returned to help youth.”
The day is fun and affordable for families as the Optimists prepare and serve food at reasonable prices, he said.
There is also a beer tent.
IF YOU GO:
FRIDAY: Gates open 7 p.m. $10 admission. 19+ event featuring
Battle of the Bands winner Round House; Blow Your Top, and Green River Revival.
SATURDAY:
Gates open 11 a.m. No cover charge for family friendly entertainment.
SATURDAY NIGHT:
Gates open 7 p.m. $10 admission. 19+ event featuring
The Specialists and Trilogy.