single

“Welcome to Candy Land”: Desbarats Community Days July 7th & 8th

Summertime can only mean one thing – it must be time for Community Days! Join us on Friday, July 7th and Saturday, July 8th to celebrate this wonderful little community as we “Welcome you to Candy Land” for the 51st Community Days Celebration!

We have changed a few things this year! First, the Parade will be at 4:30 pm on Saturday July 8th 2023. The parade route will travel from the old school grounds on Margaret Street out to Government Road, Down Lake Huron Drive to Main Street and return to the Johnson Township Community Centre.

Friday, July 7th:

We will kick off Community Days in the evening with RAPP BNGO and a Movie Screening at the Community Centre starting at 8pm.

RAPP BNGO will take place under the Pavilion 8pm-9pm: RAPP BNGO is an interactive hip-hop DJ performance, where the audience is invited to participate in a ‘no stakes, no prizes’ game of RAPP BNGO.  In place of a traditional caller calling numbers, the calls are made by a live DJ using the words from real hip-hop records, and audience members each receive RAPP BNGO cards. 

Disclaimer:  This performance contains strong language.  We advise 18+ for this event.

Upstairs in the Hall we will be screening: “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” starting at 8pm. This film is rated PG-13. Bring your favourite blanket, pillows, or camp chair for the best viewing experience.

Both activities will be free to attend with light refreshments available for sale. Please bring your cash as there is no atm on site.

Saturday, July 8th:

Community Parade: Everyone is invited to join in on the parade. Keep your ears open for the Sault Ste. Marie Pipe Band as they play their way through town.

Staging will take place at 4pm at the old public school grounds on Margaret Street with judging taking place at 4:15pm. With over $800 in Erling Lagerholm Community prize money to be awarded including $150 for Best Overall Float and $80 for Best Runner Up. Float Entry Categories are as follows:

PLUS: Every youth 12years and younger who participates in the parade will receive $2.00 and a Candy Bag.

The parade will start at 4:30pm leaving the old school grounds and going towards Government Road.

This year’s Honorary Parade Marshall is Johnson Township’s Senior of the Year Zahida Croskery: As a long time volunteer spending countless hours to help out on the Recreation Committee over the years and contributing to the upkeep and wellbeing of Gordon Lake Hall, along with numerous events and errands ran. Zahida is a great example of someone dedicated to making this community a wonderful place for all of us to live in.

Carnival & Festivities: 5pm at the Johnson Township Community Centre. Following the parade the Food booths will open. With many new food vendors this year make sure to bring your cash and take a chance to enjoy: Copper Bean Cafe, Chamber of Commerce French Fries & Onion Rings, Little Orbit’s Donuts, Roolz Cotton Candy, and long time favourites Women’s Institute’s Beef on a Bun and the Gordon Lake Social Club’s Famous Pie Booth.

Carnival Games: Kicking off on the Arena floor with a variety of games for all to play. While the Bounce Castle will be setup outside. Games and Bounce Castle will be available through the purchase of tickets.

Live music and more will be on the rink floor and outside. Stop by to enjoy the evening with us!