Tantramar is set to mark the end of summer with a new fundraising event, thanks to a partnership between the municipality and local business Bagtown Brewing Company.
The Sackville Summer Fundraiser will happen this Saturday, August 22, at Beech Hill Park from 3-11 pm, with proceeds going toward accessibility upgrades to the Tantramar Veterans’ Memorial Civic Centre.
Emma Doukas, Tantramar’s summer events coordinator, said it will be a great opportunity to get out one last time to celebrate the summer and appreciate an unsung park in the community.
“ I feel like not a lot of people know it’s out there because you have to get on the highway or you can take up Walker Road, but not a lot of people know about it, so we’re bringing the love to Beech Hill now.”
Doukas, who helped plan and coordinate the day, said the two-part event came about through a conversation between the owner of Bagtown and Matt Pryde, director of active living and culture, who were looking for a way to collaborate on a fundraiser. Then she was brought in to help coordinate with some summer staff at the brewery.
The first part of the day, from 3-7 pm, will be a family fun day, with plenty of activities folks have loved throughout the summer.
“ It’s gonna be like a lot of our different summer events,” said Doukas. “We’re going to do a massive slip-and-slide down the hill.”
There’s gonna be lots of different lawn games, and we’re gonna have music playing and there is going to be a barbecue by the Sackville Swim Club as well.”
The barbecue will be cash only, with proceeds supporting the Sackville Swim Club.
Once seven o’clock rolls around, things shift to a 19+ concert event running until 11 pm and featuring the JC White Band and Mike Maillet.
 ”Unfortunately, we will be taking the slip and slide out. We didn’t think that would be the best idea for the evening portion of it,” said Doukas. “But we’re going to have like lots of different drink tickets so people can be served by the Bagtown staff and there’ll be different types of music and like little activities going on.”
Tickets for the concert cost $15 at the door, which includes a reusable mug, and drink tickets can be purchased for $8. The mug is required to be served any alcoholic beverages, said Doukas, to help cut down on garbage and cleanup after the event.
Those looking to enjoy a drink in the sun can also purchase drink tickets between 3 and 7, but will have to buy the mug separately for $5.
If all goes well, Doukas would love to see the event become another summer staple for the municipality.
“ People are always very interested in helping out, so I feel like it’s very good that Bagtown reached out about this so that we can potentially maybe even get this happening every single year if it’s a big hit.”
