A sizzling end to summer

The Chapel Hill South Community Association (CHSCA) and École élémentaire publique Le Prélude held the second edition of the barbecue, movie night and camp-out on Saturday, Aug. 22, which was attended by several hundred residents and supported by Innes Coun. Rainer Bloess and MP Royal Galipeau. Several local businesses were also on-site and provided cash sponsorships, in-kind contributions and demonstrations.

“From the perfect weather to the gourmet burgers to the entertainment, this was the ideal occasion for neighbours to meet and enjoy their community,” said Bloess of the event. “The highlight was seeing the kids come out of their tents in the morning with smiles, having survived a night of camping in their park.”

The crowd was entertained during the day by demonstrations from Tumblers Gymnastics Centre, NX Martial Arts and Fitness and Upstairs at Loblaws Cooking School. Local restaurants Lorenzo's Pizza, Moe's Southwest Grill and Baskin-Robbins were also on hand with support and product samples. Pathway Hyundai brought several of their 2010 line of cars for residents to “kick the tires.” Lucky raffle winners would later sit inside the vehicles during the evening movie presentation. Other sponsors included Roberston Rent-all, the Gloucester Dragons Soccer Association, Locke Real Estate, PSO Solutions Inc., M&M Packaging Inc., Minto and Promotions Canada. Le Prélude school provided facilities and support to the event.

“We are happy to provide the school and its materials to help the association,” added Pierre Campeau, principal of Le Prélude. “The school is very community-oriented.”

There was a gourmet hamburger competition with the crown of “best burger” being awarded to Claude-Andrée Ouimet, who also holds the area's award for “best chili” from the CHSCA's Winter Classic which was held in February.

Local children's authors Franco and Sylvia Picciano held a pentathlon of events for the kids including sack races, soccer shoot-out, tug of war and a huge game of 'Simon Says' with prizes for most of the participants.

A 50-50 draw was also held with more than $200 going towards Catherine's Pretty Ponytails, a fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society spearheaded by nine-year-old Chapel Hill South resident Catherine Higginson. This year Catherine’s sister, 11-year-old Kimberly, took over and donated her hair. Combined the two girls have helped raise over $21,000, plus 110 donated ponytails.

“It just goes to show what an awesome community we live in when you have people like that here,” said mother Sharon Higginson, in the wake of the draw’s winner donating their portion to the campaign. “We are very grateful to our friends, neighbours and our community for their support.”

Just before dusk the crowd of over 200 people was entertained by a magic demonstration by Dr. Kaboom. The movies started as soon as it got dark with a double feature of Toy Story and Raiders of the Lost Ark projected on a huge screen on the wall of Le Prélude school, the crowd later retiring into approximately 25 tents set up in Blue Willow Park.

“Events like this have multiple goals,” continued James Ikkers, CHSCA president. “Fun and nostalgia form the foundation and it results in fond memories, building relationships and the formation of a vibrant community. We have more than doubled our volunteer base to over 40 residents and this is a testament to the growing pride in our community.”

For more information, please e-mail the CHSCA at chapelhillsouth@gmail.com.

-- By the Chapel Hill South Community Association