Port Lambton will be buzzing with excitement this weekend for the annual Gala Days festivities.
Karri Bouman, one of the event organizers, says there was some extra emphasis put on the the youth this year, but many of the annual traditions will still be taking place.
“Friday is pretty much the same as usual. The men’s and women’s slow pitch starts and the dance is at 8:30 p.m. This year it is featuring Rumble Fish. There is no entry after 11:30 p.m. so people need to make sure they get there early,” she said.
“Saturday slow pitch continues, volleyball begins in the morning and this is where things change a little bit. We are putting extra emphasis on the parade this year. Trying to get as many people involved as we can. Local businesses, baseball teams, anything like that. Anyone who wants to put in a float. We are actually stopping the baseball and the volleyball during the parade so that people with kids or people that want to participate can or even just go watch. So we are trying to make it the biggest and best we have had in a long time.”
Bouman said after the parade Cliff Erickson is providing entertainment for kids from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. on the main stage.
She said from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. they have inflatable bounce houses for kids, which they have never had before
“So that is exciting,” she said. “From 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. we also have a face painter for kids too. So that’s kind of the new stuff for Saturday. The Down River Band take the stage at 3 p.m. on Saturday. There is also minute-to-win-it games in the refreshment tent somewhere from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., probably around 2 p.m.
Bouman said on Sunday, slow pitch and volley ball continue.
“At 2 p.m. we have the slimy creature race for kids. Kids water ball is also coming back. We went a couple years without it but it is back by popular demand. The home run derby is on Sunday as well and Face for Radio takes the stage from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.”
She added: “All weekend we have food, refreshments, penny table and 50/50 tickets.”
Bouman said the event is held to raise money for the Port Lambton Athletic Association.
“To get jerseys for kids teams and keep our park up and running. Basically it’s baseball, volleyball, refreshment tent, get out and see people you haven’t seen in a while and have a good time.”
