What a weekend! Valley East Days caps off summer

If you weren't in Valley East this past weekend, you missed out because the Valley East Days festival continued its 40-year tradition of free fun to the whole community.

Last year, the event drew more than 25,000 people, organizers said, and this year they're on track for yet another successful weekend of games, live music and fun.

Thousands of visitors had the chance to soar high on the climbing wall, test their might against the mechanical bull, pet a creepy crawly at Little Ray's Reptile zoo, be mystified by The Amazing Rene Magic Show, shake it up with Salsa Bliss Zumba, go wild at the Kid Land Inflatables and much more.

The daytime and family entertainment was free once again. Adults had to shell out a bit for the evening entertainment, but the promise of great live music and fun was worth the price.

On Friday night, Aaron Pritchett and Larry Barrio got the party rocking on the down-home trip with Valley East Festival's first country night.

Saturday afternoon was time for Le Big Franco Show on the main stage. Renowned Sudbury musician Dayv Poulin, who's album Le Paysagiste has been nominated for several awards, was the big name on the bill, but Youth Band Talent Showcase winner Mandala got the crowd jumping.

Saturday evening was rock night, and it did just that ... rock. Fresh off his afternoon show, Dayv Poulin and Toe Jam Tequila got the crowd warmed up so that Canadian rock icons, Honeymoon Suite, could take to the stage and take the party to the next level.

But it was not just the visitors who were having a great time.

“Its awesome, a lot of fun,” said Dayv Poulin, who performed live at the festival on Saturday. “Every time I play here, I feel like a rock star. The big stage, applauding crowd, its amazing.”

Chris Vitiello, the organizer of the event and owner of Cousin Vinny's restaurant, was more than happy to see all the fun he helped create.

“This festival means everything to me. I invested my heart and soul into it and I am doing everything I can to be a good host,” he said.

Vitiello and organizers not only played host to the community, a number of charitable groups and organizations were on hand to drum up support for various causes. Track and Wheels was on hand inviting folks to fill a tractor bucket for the Good Neighbours Food Bank in Hanmer.

Miners for Cancer were also hand hand running the barbecue concession stand and selling raffle tickets (the $25,000 top prize has yet to be drawn). Funds raised help support the Northern Cancer Centre.

And finally, a dazzling fireworks display at the Armstrong Recreation Centre, courtesy of the Kin Club of Valley East, capped off Valley East Days with a bang and promised more fun for next year.

Summer might be in the rearview mirror, but Valley East Days was a great way to welcome fall.