Beachfest returns with a youth-focused kickoff to summer

By Dan Rolph

The Grand Bend Optimist Club’s Beachfest will be back at the main beach on June 20, but this year’s event will focus on being a family-friendly affair.

Dubbed “Beachfest Kids Edition – Kickoff to Summer,” the annual event is bringing with it a new vision that Grand Bend Optimist Club president Paul Rivard said stays true to the organization’s priorities.

“Over the past number of years we’ve been shifting over from just beer and bands to a more family event,” said Rivard. “The Optimist Club is here to support the youth. It aligns with who we are more, and we’re able to bring relatable things there.”

Since Beachfest first hit Grand Bend’s main beach in 2017, the Optimist Club has added a “Kids Zone” with inflatables, as well as the popular karaoke competition that was introduced to the event last year.

This year, karaoke will be back on the Rotary Stage, and about a dozen contestants will be invited onto the stage. Singers will be judged by a panel that includes music industry professionals for a grand prize of $800, while the runner up will receive $200.

However, the talented singer who wins the hearts of the judges will also be offered the chance to sing O Canada during Grand bend’s Canada Day celebrations.

Rivard said last year’s competition also found their singer of the national anthem for Canada Day.

“We did it last year, and it was a hit,” said Rivard. “It ended up being a talented girl from Grand Bend. She was amazing, and she sang a cappella for O Canada in front of thousands of people. It was awesome.”

Those interested in participating in the competition can register online by submitting a video clip or audio recording of themself singing, as well as a selection of songs they’d like to perform during the event.

In addition to the day’s music being a test of local talent, the karaoke competition will be followed by Carla Sacco’s tribute to Taylor Swift and Katy Perry.

Other offerings being brought to Grand Bend as part of Beachfest will include a sandcastle contest, a skateboarding demo and a beach volleyball tournament.

While speaking about the local Optimists, Rivard said they are a group of residents who love to support their community.

“It takes people to put events like this together,” he said. “We’re a small club that’s very strong.”

Soon after Beachfest, the Optimists will be back at the Rotary Stage and the main beach on July 1 for Grand Bend’s Canada Day celebrations. This year’s event will feature music by Okama, Africa DRC Music Band, Jaboah and Journeymen of Soul.

The evening will be capped off by a fireworks show at 10 p.m. that the club calls “southwestern Ontario’s largest,” which can be viewed on the beach or by boat on the lake.

For more information about the Grand Bend Optimist Club, or to register for the Beachfest Karaoke Idol competition, visit grandbendoptimistclub.ca.