Sunshine greets thousands at 14th annual Bruce Power Beach Party in Kincardine

Saturday morning brought cool, rainy weather, but by the afternoon, the sunshine broke through, just in time for the 14th annual Bruce Power Beach Party, held at Station Beach, Kincardine.

Thousands of people gathered for the event which featured rock-climbing walls, inflatables and games for the children, kite-flying, air-brushed tattoos, kettle corn, the Kinetic Knights (FRC Team 781) robotics demonstration, Explore the Bruce, and the Bruce County 150 trailer, as well as free food and entertainment.

Inside the tent, were performances by local band "General Gist," Jedi Knight training, and the Princesses sing-a-long.

During the opening ceremonies, James Scongack, Bruce Power's vice-president of corporate affairs and environment, welcomed everyone on behalf of president and chief executive officer Mike Rencheck who was with his wife, Carol, celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary.

"Welcome to the 14th annual Bruce Power Beach Party," said Scongack. "I was walking around here with my daughter, and people were thanking Bruce Power for putting this on, but it's really our opportunity to thank the community for its support of us."

He also welcomed Duncan Hawthorne, former president and CEO of Bruce Power, and his wife, Lesley, who were in attendance, noting that the beach party was originally Hawthorne's idea. Scongack thanked Jill Hunter who organized this year's event, and the volunteers who helped out.

Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Bill Walker brought greetings from his colleagues, Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson and MP Ben Lobb. "Thanks to Bruce Power and all of you for being part of this great community.'

Kincardine mayor Anne Eadie welcomed everyone to Kincardine and thanked Bruce Power for all it has done for this community.

"We are proud to host the largest nuclear generating station in the world," she said. "Bruce Power is a great community supporter and a fine corporate citizen."

The children were then thrilled with the performance by Jedi Knight, Far Walker, and R2D2 who conducted some Jedi Knight training with the youngsters, and then took on the evil Darth Vader in a laser-light saber battle. The trio posed for photos afterward.

The beach party ended with an amazing fireworks show at dusk.



Jedi Knight, Far Walker, takes on Darth Vader at the Bruce Power Beach Party, Saturday night, in Kincardine