Keasha Maile, FEO, June 26, 2025, VOL. 6 ISSUE 21

Sunshine, smiles, and a whole lot of community spirit filled the air on June 14th at the Ridgeway-Crystal Beach Kin Club’s first annual Community Day in the Park at 2973 Hyman Road, Ridgeway. If you ask anyone who was there, it was a hit from the moment when cars started rolling in.

“By 10:50 a.m., cars were already pouring into the lot and we weren’t even supposed to start until 11!” laughed Dan Strugar, the Club’s incoming President and one of the event’s key organizers. “That’s when I knew we had a real banger of an event on our hands.”

From live music to cotton candy, bounce castles to paint-covered fingers at the community mural wall, the park was buzzing with energy. Local legend Rick Sherk kept the good vibes flowing all afternoon. “Everyone was thrilled to hear Rick playing again. He’s one of those guys, you just can’t help but smile when you see him,” said Strugar.

The day was packed with family fun, and everywhere you looked, kids were jumping, parents were laughing, and neighbours were catching up. “It was really special to see families painting together on what will be our community wall,” said Strugar. “Those are the kind of memories that last.”

And while the fun was front and centre, the event also showed off the incredible transformation of the Kin Hall itself. “A lot of people had no idea the hall was even here, or they remembered it from way back when it was cold in winter and falling apart,” said Strugar. “Now, after a ton of renovations, we were proud to open the doors and show what we’ve built together.”

Support from local businesses helped make the day a success, including contributions from Joe’s Your Independent Grocer, Turkstra Lumber, Lawns and Moore, Niagara Electric, and more. “We seriously couldn’t have done it without them,” said Strugar.

The best part? This is just the beginning. “We’re already talking about making this an annual event, and maybe even bigger next year!” Strugar beamed. “This is what the Kin Club is all about: fun, friendship, and giving back to the community. If that sounds like your thing, come join us. We’re great people doing great things, and we always make sure fun is part of the plan!”

For more information about the Ridgeway-Crystal Beach Kin Club, follow them on FB