The days are counting down to the Leaside Smokedown. Those who love food, beer, good music and a great cause should check it out right now. It happens Thursday May 28 at Amsterdam Brewery on Esandar Drive and there are still tickets for this night of food (Grilltime) beer (Amsterdam) and music from an array of exciting local bands. Count them: Tim Magwood & the Drifters and friends, Duncan Coutts of Our Lady Peace, Elise LeGrow and Kevin McGroarty.
Most importantly, the proceeds will go Lake Scugog Camps, the well-known character-building experience for boys. Leaside Smokedown is the creation of public-spirited Leaside residents Andy Elder of Grilltime on Laird Drive, Cathy Hawkins of Amsterdam Brewing Company, Tim Magwood, Bennington Heights businessman and musician, plus many others. Mr. Magwood is a director of Lake Scugog Camps, a series of recreational sites where kids are offered life-altering chances to learn and grow up.
The camps have been in business since 1931 and have cared for thousands with a special personal attention that sets the camp apart. The cook and caterer to Leaside is Elder, always eager to get his hands of a giant smoker barbecue trailer, which in this case, is owned by Councillor Jon Burnside, another collaborator. Tickets are $100 per person and there are many wonderful prizes like “Beer for a Year”. There will also be a silent auction and other contributor-sponsors like Patrick Rocca, to help swell the final cheque to Lake Scugog Camp. The tickets are selling well so if you like the idea, best to buy a couple or four now.
