We just finished another HOT, HOT weekend in Grand Bend. Thunderstorms moved in each late afternoon but they didn’t stick around too long. There was just enough warning for the boaters to rush back to the docks and find a place for a cold beer as we watched the storm roll in. There is a new spot in town for those that work up a thirst on the beach. It is called Paddington and it is located just north of Main Street on the east side of HWY 21 (across from the Beer Store). It’s theme is “an upscale pub”. They have an outdoor patio in the back. Check it out.

You can still ’swing a cat around’ in the village on the weekends but that will start to change as we move closer to summer holidays. This coming weekend is the big Burgerfest celebration. If you are only going to visit once during the season, I would recommend next weekend. It is the only licensed beach party of the season sponsored by our local Optimist Club. Come out and support a great organization.

I’ve been reading blog posts by visitors to the area, one that came in today mentioned a “secret secluded beach’ that they discovered. Reading the description I can tell they were talking about our South Beach. Check out my beach listings under attractions if you want to know the secret too…

Back in March it seemed that the annual beach fireworks on Canada Day were in jeopardy. The organizers of the event, The Grand Bend Chamber of Commerce, were having difficulty finding volunteers to head up an event committee. A press release issued today reports that our area radio station, 104.9 The Beach, has rescued the event and will be a primary sponsor for the next five years. Kudos to The Beach!

Not only will they be advertising the event, they are also holding a “Best seats in the house” contest. The winners will join the 104.9 The Beach crew atop the Main Street Beach observation deck to watch the display. Now all we need are calm winds and clear skies….

Today was a beautiful beach day and I had the place to myself. 23C outside and not a cloud in the sky. It’s time to head to the shore. I filmed a few spots along the Old Ausable River on my way to the beach. This is beach area #8.

Here is the line up for Burgerfest this year. Mark your calendars for this ‘not to be missed’ event held on the Main Street Beach. June 13-15th 2008

Friday June 13th

Noon-Midnight Food & Bar Service (Admission fee of $5.00 waived until 5 PM.)
12-2 PM Burgerfest Business Lunch (Enter your business card for door prizes.)
8 PM Live Music Starring Rumblefish

Saturday June 14th

Noon-Midnight Food & Bar Service (Admission fee of $5.00)
11 AM Bed Races!! (Contact Gary Eisler at 238-5801 to register your team.)
1 PM Live Music All Day Featuring Murray Andrews, Lance Bedard, Brian Dale, Yeager
5 PM Mr. & Ms. Burgerfest!! (Contact Sonia Turner at 238-5881 for details.)
8 PM Live Music Starring The Pat Waterfield Rock & Soul Review

Sunday June 15th

Noon-6 PM Food & Bar Service (Admission fee of $5.00)
2 PM Live Music Starring Denise Pelley & Cheryl Lescombe
3 PM Parachute Jump!! (Grand Bend Sport Parachuting will be performing a demo and landing right on Grand Bend’s Main Beach!)

****Plus activities for the kids all weekend long at the Grand Bend Optimist Skate Park and Basketball Court. Contact Leanne at the Youth Centre for details, 238-1155.****