The second edition of New Sudbury Days returns this weekend after a successful 2015 debut.
Speaking to Sudbury.com last month, New Sudbury Days chair Rachelle Niemela said she's lived on Dollard Avenue in New Sudbury for 30 years, but was surprised at how many new people she met at last year's festival.
“These festivals are an opportunity for neighbourhoods to get together and celebrate,” said Niemela said.
New Sudbury Days starts Saturday, Aug. 27 with a free community pancake breakfast at Ridgecrest Playground, followed by a nature walk in Rotary Park.
Then then fun moves to the New Sudbury Centre, where the Sudbury District Motorsports Association is hosting a vehicle show from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. — the event drew more than 200 participants last year.
You can also catch a performance by the Bluez Brotherz, a battle of the bands and children's activities at the mall on Saturday.
The day concludes with a free barbecue and a screening of the film "Mum's the Word" at Rotary Park.***
On Sunday, Aug. 28, the New Sudbury Centre has an action-packed day of activities from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. That includes a mascot beauty contest (the A&W Root Bear won last year), face painting, live entertainment and inflatables.
There will also be a free barbecue at Twin Forks Playground starting at 11:30 a.m. and a free family nine-hole golf tournament at Timberwolf Golf (limited to 20 families).
The festival caps off Sunday night at 8 p.m. with a fireworks display in Rotary Park, located at 744 Beatrice Cres. Bring a lawn chair or blanket.
New Sudbury Days is once again supporting the Sudbury Food Bank. Organizers hope to “stuff” a small school bus with non-perishable food items.
The bus will travel to various locations in New Sudbury starting Aug. 24, including grocery stores in the area. Cash donations will also be accepted.
Sudbury Food Bank executive director Dan Xilon said “back-to-school” items such as drinking boxes and granola bars would be especially appreciated.
“It'll allow them the opportunity to be in with everybody else at school, instead of being ostracized for not being able to have a snack,” he said.
“Not only is the food important, what it represents to young people that get it is also very important.”
Visit www.newsudburydays.ca or the festival's Facebook page for the full lineup.
***An earlier version of this story said the film being screened was "Edge of Winter." Event organizers inform us the movie has been changed to "Mum's the Word."
