Summer Send Off Spectacular this weekend

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

Summer will be going out with a bang this year in Tillsonburg.

That bang, which is not figurative, will be followed by others in a fireworks show on Sept. 6 that will be part of the Summer Send Off Spectacular.

The event came about after the fireworks provider for the Canada Day fireworks had an equipment malfunction and couldn’t present a full show. The company offered to come back for another show at no charge.

“Why not build on it and make it a larger family event,” Julie Dawley, Manager of Recreation Programs and Services, said of the resulting discussion.

The day will start at 5 p.m. in the fairgrounds with karaoke in the Kinsmen bandshell, presented by the Copper Mug. Karaoke will be followed by Chase Beres at 7 p.m., and Kickin’ Country at 7:30. The latter will play until the fireworks start.

While the band plays, backyard games will be available for people to join.

“It’s a new program, so we’re showcasing it,” Dawley said.

While cornhole is a well-known backyard game and will be included, other games such as ladder ball, Kan Jam, Granny Pants and PaddleSmash will also be featured. PaddleSmash is a new backyard game with a pickleball element where players hit the ball over a net. Kan Jam uses flying discs that players try to throw into a can.

Dawley described Granny Pants, saying, “You wear oversized pants, and your partner throws them, and you have to catch them in your pants.”

Each participant will be entered into a draw for a prize pack. Dawley encouraged people to look up the games at home so they are ready to participate. Singles are welcome, but Dawley encouraged bringing a partner as the games are played with two people.

Food trucks will be on site throughout the event. Confirmed to attend are: Copper Mug, Suppa Swirls, 911 Charcoal Shawarma, Flour & Whisky Cookie Co., Soda Street, Las Mexicanas Tacos & Burritos, and Candy Clouds.

There is no charge for the event, except for any food purchased.

The public will be advised if plans for the evening change due to weather.