The importance of community will be highlighted during the annual Port Lambton Gala Days.
Event Coordinator Jordan Lane said the tradition dates back nearly 60 years, as the first gala days gathering was held in 1968 by a group of community-minded volunteers.
Lane said after recently losing a key member, the event highlights the importance of keeping the tradition going. "We're hoping to continue to bring up how important it is to volunteer in our small communities; that's what Shirley Johnston [and other long-time volunteers] were known for," Lane said. "We're starting to see that second and third generation within those families help as well. It really just speaks to the small town environment. The support we have from the local community really does help make it an extremely successful weekend."
Gala days will kick off on Friday, July 31, with a dance. According to the Port Lambton Athletic Association's website, Brothers Wilde is scheduled to play from 9 p.m. until midnight.
Lane said Friday is not an all-ages event and there will be an admission fee. However, the rest of the activities planned throughout the weekend will be free to attend.
Saturday's parade will start at 11 a.m. from Port Lambton United Church.
Lane said the parade route will run along St. Clair Parkway from William Street to MacDonald Park, where the event is held.
Donations will be collected along the parade route for Sacred Heart Food Bank. Some of the requested items include maple syrup, toilet paper, canned meat, bar soap, instant potatoes, pasta, shampoo, and feminine hygiene products.
"We've got some kids' events on Saturday from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., and we're welcoming several bands to our stage this weekend," Lane said.
The traditional two-pitch and volleyball tournaments will also be played all weekend.
Port Lambton Gala Days will end with a "Sunday Funday," which will include a 50/50 raffle in the afternoon.
"That's one of the biggest fundraisers for the weekend. That helps us to offset the cost for our local Port Lambton Athletic Association."
Lane said Big Shiny Toons will close the weekend out with 90s tunes.
Schedule details for the weekend can be found on the Port Lambton Gala Days Facebook page.
