Jessica McCandless (right), Marie-Eve Charland, Rosanno Catalan, and Stacy Kremer of Canadian Martial Arts Centre in Port Elgin had lots to offer at the Leisure Fair from summer sessions to one day events such as the upcoming Chen Style Tai Ji Quan day March 26 taught by 12th generation teacher Sifu Jack Yan, an inheritor disciple of Grand Master Chen Zhenglei.

Hub Staff

Summer programming and ongoing after school activities were the focus at the March 8 Leisure Fair at the Plex in Port Elgin.

Two floors featuring 31 vendors resulted in the largest Leisure Fair to date that saw activities from horse back riding, BMX, art classes, to science camp signing up students ranging in all ages.

Eleanor Mowbray of Mowbray’s Canadian Tire was on hand distributing information about the Canadian Tire Jumpstart program as well as fun plush sports accessories that kept the children entertained.

To date the Jumpstart program has alleviated athletic financial pressures for 106 children ages 4 to 18 in the community, a total of $21,342.18.

Mowbray said that the top Saugeen Shores Jumpstart sports are hockey, soccer, dance, gymnastics and baseball; and that in 2016 statistics point out a rise in girls participating in sports using the Jumpstart program.

A staple at the Leisure Fair, Town organized aquatic lessons, had their fair share of registrants. The Town of Saugeen Shores recently launched their “Fill the Program” initiative which offers an opportunity for participants to fill empty spots at no cost.

See: Aquatic initiative aims to remove financial barriers

Amelia Martin is ready to hit the Saugeen Shores BMX track.

Representing Bucks Lacrosse, now in its third year at the Leisure Fair were Will Buckland, Nicole Foster and Patrick VanMyall (right) March 8, at the Plex.

Eleanor Mowbray with Melanie Leaver of Mowbray’s Canadian Tire in Port Elgin were at the Leisure Fair informing youth and their parents about the Canadian Tire JumpStart program, and how the program can alleviate financial pressures for youth in sports and sport related clubs.

Brett Martin, owner of Martin’s Bicycle Shop in Southampton, was on hand at the Leisure Fair to talk about the Saugeen Shores BMX Club’s upcoming season.

Promoting STEM (Science. Technology. Engineering, Mathematics) Camp at Faith Lutheran Church was Molly Berge with “Tornadus”, a Pokemon style experiment that simulates the force of a tornado, just one of the projects campers will have an opportunity to make during the week long day camp.

Keanna Brandsma and Katie Laman harnessed their super powers while promoting Southport’s Vacation Bible School, “Hero Central”.