Valley East Days back

After a one year absence, Valley East Days, are back at Hanmer's Centennial Arena, from Sept. 11 to 13.

In its heyday, the festival attracted as many as 10,000 people, said David Herd, festival chair Tuesday.

Last year the long-running family festival was derailed because the arena venue was not available.

“Last year Valley East Days were canceled due to early ice preparations on the arena. Because of the fire at the arena in Copper Cliff, scheduling for ice time at our Centennial Arena was moved ahead. We could not use it for our event,” said Herd.

A new group of a dozen volunteers has pulled together in the festival's 35th year to help the popular event regroup. That has caused Valley residents to again show interest in attending this year.

“Interest by Valley residents has definitely picked up. My phone is ringing constantly,” said Herd.

The theme this year is community.

“Organizations and individuals throughout the Valley, as well as City of Greater Sudbury personnel, have been planning co-operatively since the fall,” said a release.

Recent economic considerations means admission is now only a donation of one non-perishable food item, said Shirley Baxter, communications volunteer. The foodstuffs collected will be distributed between the two Valley East food banks. There also will be no alcoholic beverages because of the recent tragic deaths of three teens in Hanmer by a hit and run driver.

“The committee seeks to provide safe, fun experiences with minimal cost,” said Baxter.

The City of Greater Sudbury is providing free intra-valley (Route 705) bussing until 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

“We have got a lot of help from Greater Sudbury for this event. That includes their staff,” said Herd.

The only event Friday is a teen video dance at the arena starting at 7 p.m. Opening ceremonies are at 10 a.m. Saturday followed by many children's activities. The Whinnying in Life booth behind the children's play area features miniature horses, buggy rides and demonstrations. The booth is associated with the therapeutic riding program in the Valley.

Main attractions for Saturday are the Tailgate Farmer's Market in the parking lot, model airplane demonstrations in front, Teddy Bear Picnic (bring your own), spaghetti supper with Dorian Music crooner standards, bonfire sing-a-long and a Frenglish Soiree.

A soiree is where both French and English entertainers perform, said Herd. Sunday features a community breakfast for a voluntary free will offering and free bingo in the afternoon.

Wheelchairs and walkers will be available for use on the site, courtesy of the Valley East Lions Club. About 100 volunteers will assist, said Herd.

“We could use some more. Call me at 969-2111 if you want to help out.”

For more information, Google Valley East Days.

Sidebar
Some of the Valley East Days events

Friday Sept. 11
7 pm-Video teen dance-hosted by Valley East Lions, ages 12 to 17, $8 advance at Kwik-Way, Cranky Joe's, or $10 at the door, Centennial Arena

Saturday Sept. 12
On the rear field called The Green
10 am-Opening ceremonies-Centennial Maple Leaf in the first field near the sign
10 am-Model airplane demonstrations all day in front of arena
10:30 am- Colouring Contest
11:00 to 12:30 pm-Little House in Valley with face painting, tattoos, water pool and bubble pool
1-1:45 pm-Music by Chuck Roberts
2-2:30 pm-Sudbury Police K-9 dog demonstration
2:30-4:30 pm-Balloon animals with Jumper the Clown
3-3:30 pm- Teddy Bear Picnic (free cookies and drink) and sing-a-long
3:30-4:30 pm Bingo Fish Pond
4-6 pm Knights of Columbus Spaghetti Supper-adults $8, children 10 and under $5
6-8 pm Bonfire sing-a-long with M.J. Murphy and the Knights of Columbus Choir

Banquet Hall entertainment
10:15 am-Local fiddlers
11:00 am-Marc Serre
noon-Pro-Line Dancing with group participation
2:30-3:15 pm-Holy Rollers with hits from last 60 years
8:00-9:30 pm Soiree Frenglish

Sunday Sept. 13
Banquet Hall
8:30 am-10 pm-Community breakfast
10:00 am-noon-Choir performances

On “The Green”
10:30 am-11:00 am-Colouring contest
11:00-12:30 pm-Relay races, Texas horseshoes, obstacle course
2:30-3:30 pm-Music by Dani Star
2:30-4 pm Fire truck display
3:00-3:30 pm-Story time with free popcorn and pop
3:30-4:30 pm-Bingo fish pond
4:30 pm-Closing Ceremonies

Parade
noon-2 pm Valley East Days Parade marshaling at Hanmer Valley Shopping Centre, proceeding along Hwy. 69 North to Centennial Arena.