Tavistock kicks off summer with successful 5 Corners Summer Sips

Local classic rock band Crackerjack Palace kicked off the entertainment at 5 Corners Summer Sips. Band members include Fern Pridham of St. Marys, Tom Elliott, Dean Jutzi, Mark Diotallevi, Diego Vitello and Tavistock native Barry Klein. Gary West photo

By Diane Danen

Beautiful summer weather set the stage for the 5 Corners Summer Sips fundraiser hosted by the Tavistock Agricultural Society on Saturday, June 27, at the Tavistock and District Recreation Centre.

The family-friendly fundraiser welcomed nearly 400 people for live music, locally crafted beverages and great food, all while raising money for future improvements to the Tavistock Fall Fair.

Guests enjoyed refreshments from five beverage vendors and a delicious variety of offerings from six food trucks.

Entertainment began shortly after 2 p.m. with Crackerjack Palace, a classic rock cover band performing favourites from artists including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Steely Dan.

Tavistock natives Katie Hamilton and singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Chuckee Zehr took to the stage around 5 p.m., entertaining a hometown crowd before the evening's headliner.

Closing out the night was Hotel California, an Eagles tribute band featuring Stratford native Jay Riehl on drums and vocals. The band wrapped up a full day of music and delivered a memorable finale to the day’s entertainment.

The goal of the event was to bring the community together while raising funds for improvements to the annual Tavistock Fall Fair. The organizing committee included Jack Danen, Don Junker, Connie Junker, Chad Keller, Val Jones, Alisha Wilson, Susan Withinshaw and Julie Kimpel. Their dedication, along with the efforts of many volunteers, helped make 5 Corners Summer Sips a success.