5th Annual Thunder in the Valley Thunder in the Valley, started as just an idea back in 2017, between two old friends sharing a drink and has since grown into an annual non-profit music festival that has continued to support local charities here in Elgin. Dan Sullivan and Bob Bishop wanted to have the public see Bob’s Pleasant Valley Trout Farm, which is, as Dan describes it, the most beautiful piece of property in Southern Ontario. “So, I said to Bob, let’s put on a charity event, and we will advertise it and see what happens. The first one we did turned out astonishingly well; we hired local bands and we had a lot of response, with a lot of people in attendance.” Over the five years since, this event has continued to grow. Saturday this year, starting at 2:00 pm, there will be five bands with live music continuing until midnight and on Sunday, three more bands from Noon until 5:00 pm. Your ticket not only lets you see all these talented bands but also includes a dinner on Saturday with lake fish, chicken fingers, fries and coleslaw. The event also features a large canopy that you can sit and dance under, free parking, and a cash bar. Plus, to encourage people to have a good time, but not to drink and drive, camping is also available (at an additional fee) from Friday night until Monday. “We want to make this event a great value for your buck,” says Bob. Saturday’s lineup of live music includes Jerry Seasons, Beach Party Boys, Randy Dawdy and WrifWraf, John Milles and Smoking Dave, with Chico Sanchez and Hog Wild finishing the night. Sunday’s matinee will present the Smokin Bass Band, R&R, and the Fruit Ridge Boys. Dan says that while the event’s name may sound like a drag race or a hard rock metal show, it isn’t: “It’s stuff that Bob and I grew up with -- you know, 60s, 70s, 80s music.” Funds from the event’s past shows have gone to the Shriners Childrens Hospital, Aylmer Optimists, Salthaven Wildlife Rehabilitation and other local charities. “This year, we are donating to the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital to help with the MRI,” says Dan. “Another major one that we contribute to every year,” Bob adds, “Is the Environmental Leadership Program out of East Elgin, as it is not government funded.” Thunder in the Valley is Saturday, August 26th and Sunday, August 27th, at the Pleasant Valley Trout Farm, located at 47079 Pleasant Valley Line in Sparta. Gates open at 10:00 am, and tickets are available at Dowler-Karn and Boston Pizza in St. Thomas, and at Yarmouth Group, or by calling 519-631-2663.
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Real Living • Summer 2023 • Page 3
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