Citizen volunteers, municipal employees, television technicians, and organizers of all description are working hard to set the stage for Saturday’s Bash at the Barn event at Memorial Arena in Chatham. The event will culminate with a live telecast, during Hockey Night in Canada, of the announcement of the nation-wide winner of the Kraft Hockeyville competition. Organizers are expecting a capacity crowd, and fans hoping to be part of the live Canada-wide telecast should arrive at Memorial Arena by 5:30pm.
Chatham and North Saanich, B.C., are the two finalists. Each will receive $100,000 for arena upgrades. Only the final winner will host an NHL pre-season game.
Leading up to the announcement, community organizers have put together a family friendly, alcohol free event called Bash at the Barn. Everyone can register for a 3 on 3 FUN Hockey Tournament at 12:30pm. The tournament itself will start at 1:00pm. Helmet and gloves are required to participate. Pony rides, a petting zoo, and face painting will entertain the kids from 1:00pm-4:00pm, and a bouncy castle from 2:00pm-6:00pm. Starting at 3:00pm, there will be entertainment by local music artists including Brooklyn Roebuck, Face 4 Radio, Ryan Bradley and The Chasers leading up to the big announcement. A hockey skills competition and clinic will run from 3:30pm until 5:15pm. Food and drinks can be purchased at the arena canteen.
Snow cones and cotton candy will be handed out to anyone who brings in a Kraft product for donation to Outreach for Hunger.
