WHITEWATER REGION (Cobden) — Youngsters were encouraged to participate in the antics of Junkyard Symphony. This included playing ‘drums’, dancing on a box-like stage and for one adult — dressing up like a rock-star motorcyclist.
There was also ample opportunity to hold onto an African Emperor Scorpion, pet a 12-foot long python or the hard shell of a crocodile, reptiles brought to Whitewater StreetStrut by Tyler Maybee of Little Ray’s Reptiles.
And don’t forget, there were crafts at the 1st Cobden Scouts table, a chance to make a personal button at the OPP Auxiliary table and get some goodies to bring home from the Whitewater Region firefighters’ table.
Horses Lucy and Victor, each standing about 18-hands high, were at the helm of the wagon, pulling it as they took people for a ride.
These were just some of the things that happened during the second annual Whitewater StreetStrut, held Saturday afternoon on Main Street in Cobden. The event was staged between Crawford and John streets.
Numbers appeared to be lower during the afternoon, but that didn`t stop families from enjoying the afternoon entertainment despite the humid temperatures, noted Jordan Durocher, community services manager for Whitewater Region. Afternoon family entertainment was held from 1 to 5 p.m. on the street, along with live music at the Cobden Legion.
Later in the evening, the street was transformed into a concert venue. Numbers spiked for the long-awaited headliner, Big Wreck, Mr. Durocher said. Opening acts for the event featured Black Water Brigade, The Riley New Band and Station Hill.
“We’re still in the process of tallying numbers and bottom line,” Mr. Durocher said.
While it’s an event organized by the township, he noted there have also been community partnerships formed.
“We were fortunate to have the support of council to roll out this event for the second straight year,” he said. “It was nice to see new and familiar faces for the event. This event has established community partnerships and is a good way to double the population in Cobden, creating economic spin off throughout the region.”
Whitewater StreetStrut is a new tradition for the township, said Councillor Chris Olmstead, who is also chair of the township’s creation committee.
“The event is becoming a tradition for out-of-town and local folks and we were delighted to host them at the Whitewater Streetstrut,” he said, adding, “We hope to continue the momentum of this event in the future. We had received lots of positive feedback during and after the event.”
