Summer celebration to raise funds for Tavistock Fall Fair

Crackerjack Palace will be performing at 5 Corner Summer Sips on Saturday, June 27, at the Tavistock Recreation Centre. Pictured in the front row, from left to right, are St. Marys native Fern Pridham and Tom Elliott. In the back row, from left, are Dean Jutzi, Mark Diotallevi, Diego Vitello and Tavistock native Barry Klein. Contributed photo

By Diane Danen

The Tavistock Agricultural Society is inviting the community to kick off summer at its fundraiser, 5 Corners Summer Sips, on Saturday, June 27, at the Tavistock and District Recreation Centre.

Promoted as a full-blown summer party in the heart of the community, the event will run from 2 p.m. until midnight and will feature live music, craft beverages and a variety of food trucks.                    

Organizers say the family-friendly event is aimed at bringing the community together while raising money for improvements to the Tavistock Fall Fair. Early bird tickets for ages 13 and older are $50 until June 1. After that, tickets will increase to $60. Children 12 and under will be admitted free of charge.

The idea for the event was first suggested by Don Junker after attending a similar event in Norfolk County. At the time, the society felt the timing was not right to take on an event of that scale, so the idea was set aside.

Interest in the idea returned at last fall’s fair wrap-up meeting, where board members discussed ways to bring larger midway rides back to the Tavistock Fall Fair. While the fair remains in a solid financial position, organizers said the rising cost of attracting larger amusement companies has become a challenge.

“The fair is still in a good financial position,” said Jack Danen, “but there are fewer amusement companies available, and fundraising will help make Tavistock a more attractive stop for ride providers.”

The planning committee for 5 Corners Summer Sips includes Jack Danen, Don Junker, Connie Junker, Chad Keller, Val Jones, Alisha Wilson, Susan Withinshaw and Julie Kimpel.

“There hasn’t been an event like this in the arena for a very long time, so we are really hoping for the community to support us and make it a very successful one,” said Danen. “Hopefully the event will be a success and become an annual event.”

The music lineup features headlining Eagles tribute band Hotel California, with Stratford native Jay Riehl on drums and vocals. Also performing are Crackerjack Palace, a classic rock cover band performing hits from artists including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Steely Dan, along with Tavistock natives Katie Hamilton and singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Chuckee Zehr. Local artists are looking forward to playing to a hometown crowd.

Crackerjack Palace will kick things off shortly after 2 p.m. Chuckee Zehr and Katie Hamilton will perform around 5 p.m., and then Hotel California will perform at 8 p.m.

Organizers have put a system in place that will allow guests to come and go throughout the day, though attendees are encouraged to stay and support the many vendors participating in the event.

Organizers say ticket sales have been strong and are encouraging people to purchase tickets early before prices increase. About 30 to 40 volunteers are still needed for the event. Anyone interested in helping is encouraged to reach out to organizers.

For tickets or more information, contact Don Junker at 519-535-7052 or Jack Danen at 519-274-9551.