Canada Day weekend celebrations were in full swing at the Saltcoats District Regional Park for the 123rd consecutive year. The event has had a strong sports emphasis since it's emergence in 1888.
Chair of the park board, Grant McCallum admits minor sports in the area has dropped off over the last decade with a strong current focus on family activities. However, the softball tournament has remained consistent to the event as this year the community held their 2nd reunion alumni game for the Saltcoats Lakers. The last alumni game was held 6 years ago.
McCallum says his goal is to encourage minor hockey and baseball teams to get involved as he believes a lot more families are showing interest for future Canada Day events. "We want the sporting focus to return and want to go with live bands and a steak dinner in future years" noted McCallum.
The event's beer gardens is a sufficient fundraising program for the park to assist with upkeep and maintenance. One goal is to upgrade the electrical services to campsites by this fall as the event draws in several hundred attendees. "When a project is needed we see an excellent response from the community".
The mornings kicked off with pancake breakfasts raising funds for the volunteer firefighters and the Saltcoats Historical Society. Slo-pitch tournaments, kiddies fire truck rides, beer gardens, 50/50 draws and the alumni baseball game were all part of the weekend celebrations. Attendees also celebrated with a Canada Day cake and a fireworks display on Friday.
Over 30 players registered for the alumni game and the fundraising event brought in almost $2,500.
