Summer kicks off in high gear

Some of the best Chatham-Kent has to offer was on display last weekend.  From Tilbury to Thamesville, there was something for everyone’s taste.

The weekend got under way Friday night with the 18^th annual Pain Court Truck and Tractor Pull where hundreds of people turned out for the Dover Kinsmen club sponsored event.

At the same time, the 39^th annual Threshing Festival slid into first gear, with one of the finest parades in the area. The fun didn’t stop all through the day Saturday and ended with an amazing fireworks display.

Classic cars were the order of the weekend in Blenheim with a Friday night parade and more than 100 unmodified vehicles on display throughout the downtown area.

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Tilbury’s three-day FunFest provided everything from a midway to hot-dog eating contest courtesy of the Kinsmen club.

Not to be left behind, Chathamites with an interest in two-wheel transportation (motorized and people-powered) took part in the motorcycle Ride for Big Brothers Big Sisters, while the Chatham-Kent Cycling Festival sent bicyclists on 100K and 50K rides.

Aside from being held last weekend, the above-named events have at least two things in common. They all raised funds for worthy causes in our communities, and they all took plenty of volunteer help to make them successful.

Considering that it was just the first week of summer. There is plenty more to come.

Canada Day is next, followed by Ribfest, Cherry Fest, Bike Fest, Flight Fest, WAMBO, the Bothwell Car show, the Dresden Exhibition and on and on.

Helping others is part of our DNA in Chatham-Kent. And best of all, we can have a lot of fun doing it.

Thanks to all who made last weekend one to remember.