Jun 27, 2008 - 10:17 AM

SCUGOG -- The Scugog Chamber of Commerce is planning a blow-out of sorts next Tuesday when it hosts perhaps its final July 1 celebrations in honour of our nation's birthday.

After much deliberation and hand-wringing, the Scugog merchant group has announced the 2008 Canada Day celebrations will be the chamber's finale. But that doesn't mean this year's edition will be anything less than first-class, stressed chamber officials in the weeks leading up to July 1.

After repeatedly losing money by hosting the annual community festivities and fireworks, chamber president Tony Janssen explained earlier this month the merchant group will host the popular event one final time. It's hoped, he added, that some other group, such as the Port Perry Downtown BIA, seriously considers taking on the event.

In April, he explained the Scugog Chamber of Commerce is "a business association, not events coordinators."

After some consideration, the chamber has decided to play host once more in 2008 "because it's something we've always done, but we want to give notice this is the last time. This is our farewell kick at the can; we will see it through and this should be enough notice, one year, for someone else to pick it up."

Highlighting the event will be a myriad of children's activities in Palmer Park, a parade down Queen Street in honour of Scugog's veterans and, of course, the traditional fireworks over Lake Scugog, to be held at dusk.

The party will get started around 10 a.m. on July 1 when the 'Kids' Zone' opens in Palmer Park where there will be plenty of children's activities running until 5 p.m. They include face-painting, hair-decorating and bike-decorating contests.

At the Rotary Gazebo in Palmer Park, beginning at 10 a.m. sharp, there will be the wildly-popular mutt show. Open to all ages, there will be prizes awarded for shortest and tallest dogs, longest ears, oldest and youngest dogs and best-dressed 'Proud To Be Canadian' dog, among other categories. Registration for the mutt show begins at 9:30 a.m. and contests are only open to children 13 and younger.

At 11 a.m., a memorial to Canada's troops serving overseas and a parade down Queen Street to Palmer Park will be held.

From noon to 5 p.m., the chamber plans to hold a 'Local Street Sale' with area merchants showcasing their wares.

At noon, there will also be a 'Teddy Bear Picnic' at the Kids' Zone in Palmer Park. It's open to all children 10 and younger.

A variety of children's races will begin at 1 p.m., with an egg race, sponge race, three-legged race and baby derby. An hour later, at 2 p.m., there will be a presentation of fun science activities, dubbed 'Kaboom!', and from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Palmer Park will play host to some of professional sports' biggest names when the annual 'Fish TV Celebrity Weigh-In' is held.

Among those expected to be on hand are Johnny Bower, Nik Antropov, Alexei Ponikarovsky, Carlo Colaiacovo, Bryan Marchment, Owen Nolan, Wayne Primeau, Brian Skinner and Brad Boyes.

Also at 3 p.m., there will be even more children's games, including an egg toss, hula-hoop competition, a bubble-blowing competition and obstacle course.

A 'Crazy Hair' competition will follow at 4 p.m.

There will also be a best-dressed bike contest in the Kids' Zone, open to those 10 and younger, and at 5 p.m. there will be a 'Fun With Literacy' presentation.

For those who prefer live entertainment, 'Stranded Airwaves' will take to the gazebo main stage in Palmer Park at 5:30 p.m., with the Island Dance Studio following at 6 p.m. on the gazebo's side stage.

'Rory Taillon and Friends' will take to the gazebo's main stage at 7 p.m.

At 8:05 p.m., the opening ceremonies for the evening's events will take place, including the presentation of the 'Craig Taylor Citizen of the Year Award' to Dr. John Stewart, handed out by the Port Perry Star.

The 'Sticky Monkeys' will then take centre stage on the gazebo at 8:30 p.m. to entertain the crowds until just before 10 p.m., when the Chamber Children's Choir performs O'Canada.

A fireworks display over Lake Scugog will follow.

Donations will be collected that evening in the park and guests are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets.