Gala Days is in full swing out in Port Lambton.
The smiles, fun and excitement is similar to years past, as the community comes together to celebrate each Civic Holiday weekend.
We caught up with Port Lambton native Matt Johnston, who said Gala Days is a crucial fundraiser for the youth sports programs in the community.
“Having participated in Gala Days for most of my 31 years, I can see why on the surface Gala Days seems to be about the youth and adult events, tournaments, softball and volleyball, and the huge party over the Civic Holiday weekend,” Johnston said. “However, behind the scenes is Port Lambton’s great volunteer community base that works tirelessly year after year organizing and staffing Gala Days.”
Johnston said Gala Days has evolved since its inception.
“It has turned into a large once a year community fundraiser for the Port Lambton Athletic Association (PLAA), organized by the Gala Days Committee and benefiting the communities’ children and enhancing community events. Essentially, Gala Days is a chance for our giving and caring Port Lambton community and its various organizations, to come together to raise crucial funds that go directly to the operating budget of the PLAA.
Johnston added: “Every youth sports program and other non-sporting activities are funded by Gala Days, keeping community programs at minimal costs for area families. Without the help of The Port Lambton Volunteer Firefighters, Sombra Township Optimist, Port Lambton Pirates, and countless others, Gala Days would not exist. It is because of these volunteers and all of their hard work and dedication that the spirit of Gala Days thrives to this day.
Johnston said Gala Days turns into a homecoming in Port Lambton.
“People who have moved away from the community are seen back here on Gala Days to celebrate Port Lambton and to help continue this important fundraising,” he said. “In PL, community is everything. Helping others and giving back to such a great community is ingrained in everyone from here. Port Lambton people care about the future of their youth and each other. Its why to this day I still travel from my home in Ridgetown to be involved in the PLAA and participate in Gala Days.”
The day got kick started today with the annual parade. Here are our photos:
