​Kincardine Ride for Sight Bandathon raises almost $2,500

The second annual Ride for Sight Bandathon, an all-day event held April 16 at the Bruce Inn in Kincardine, was such a big success that planning for the next event is already in the works.

The concert raised $2,490 to help fund research for treating and preventing diseases causing blindness.

The Bandathon featured a full day of live music, including Tyler English, Johnny Ballard Band, Boiler Beach, CJ Lee, Laura Gagnon, Bobby Scongack (and Tim Bellamy), Sweet Light Crude, Fall Down 7 and martianrebel. Attendees could stop in and enjoy a meal and music or stay for the day. Admission was by donation, with all proceeds directed to Ride for Sight.

“We had so much fun hanging out with, and listening to, the stellar talent on stage entertaining the crowd,” said organizer and musician Terry Marsh. “Huge thanks to (the bands) for donating their time to this event!”

The day was perfect for a concert, with the temperature lingering around 25 degrees Celsius and a gorgeous blue sky overhead. The patio was packed for most of the day.

More than 20 gifts of swag were given away during the event, including clothing, grab bags, CDs, and donations from local businesses. Fifty-fifty draws saw prizes of $270, $260 and $170 handed out, with the recipients donating back a portion of their winnings to the cause.

The Bandathon raised $1,315 in cash donations, $175 on-line and $1,000 in sponsorships, for a grand total of $2,490.
Donations are still being accepted and can be made via www.boilerbeach.ca/ride-for-sight.



Boiler Beach of Kincardine takes to the stage, joining eight other bands, at the second annual Ride for Sight concert in Kincardine; photo courtesy of Terry Marsh