BEACHBURG — Sparky’s Winter Carnival in Beachburg was a great day — for anyone who attended.
It was an opportunity for people to participate in an outdoor hockey tournament on the outdoor hockey rink — which turns into the ball diamond once winter is over.
There were also games inside for the children and an opportunity to visit with Batman and Elsa, the princess from Frozen.
On the indoor ice, Laurentian Valley firefighters faced off against Base Petawawa firefighters mid-afternoon while in the evening, it was supposed to be Whitewater firefighters facing off against North Algon Wilberforce firefighters.
“We have 70 firefighters in Whitewater and not even 10 guys could show up to play,” said Hugh Martin, an organizer of the event, as well as a firefighter.
When this event began four years ago, there were about 15 who came out to play, he recalled.
He realizes people lead busy lives and some get sick, but this was one way of getting the fire department to be as one.
But, it’s not just the firefighters he’s disappointed with.
“Where were the Beachburg people to support us,” he questioned.
There were only a few people in the stands to cheer on the players. As for the outdoor pond hockey, there were rarely any spectators unless they were players. However, he did note, it was cold to be standing outside watching the games.
There were 10 teams in the Kyla Simmons Pond Hockey Tournament, which was about 50 players from the valley, he said. Team Domination won the event for the fourth straight year. Team members are Samantha Regier, Brittany Regier, Markus Kinslow, Andrew Belaire, Cory Robinson, Tommy Birtch and Donovan Birtch.
“It was a tremendous success,” Mr. Martin said.
The warm room in the arena was filled throughout the afternoon with children, he said.
“The number of children who came out was incredible,” Mr. Martin said.
He’s hopeful this event will carry on, so the children who are having fun now will ensure other children have fun in the future.
“It’s one of the few days in the year for the kids to have fun,” he said.
The pancake breakfast hosted, by the firefighters at the Beachburg Lions Hall, was a success.
Mr. Martin encourages anyone who wants to ensure this event continues to come out in the fall and begin making plans.
The next event is the Beachburg Jam. He said many of the events have been cut from the weekend affair because not many people attend. If you are interested in volunteering with the jam, call Mr. Martin at the Beachburg Arena, 613-582-7040.
