NEWS RELEASE
ORILLIA DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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Arrrh you ready? Pirates will be taking over the Port of Orillia on Labour Day weekend, and the Rotary Club of Orillia is looking for volunteers to “walk the plank” to raise funds for Aqua Theatre upgrades.
The walk the plank event is just one of the many things to see and do at the Orillia District Chamber of Commerce (ODCC)’s annual Port of Orillia Pirate Party. The ODCC operates the Port of Orillia in partnership with the City of Orillia. This partnership, which began over 40 years ago, helps support local business by drawing visitors to Orillia by boat and by land. The port attracts tourists from near and far, including different regions of the province, across Canada, and the United States.
Walk the plank takes place at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 2. It is always a crowd favourite, with local politicians, community leaders, and regular citizens taking a plunge into Lake Couchiching to raise funds for the Rotary Aqua Theatre. The plank, donated by Orillia Home Hardware Building Centre, will be located on the dock right outside the Waterfront Centre at the Port of Orillia, and 100 per cent of funds raised will go the Aqua Theatre upgrades and improvements.
The Rotary Aqua Theatre has stood at Couchiching Beach Park sine 1958, when the Orillia Rotary Club raised funds to build the structure. They then donated it to the City of Orillia. The Aqua Theatre is used for concerts in summer months, and has hosted public movies in the park. It is also offered for rent. The building recently underwent a major renovation, and funds are required for ongoing upgrades and enhancements.
Since its inception walk the plank has raised $15,000, which was donated directly to the City of Orillia to go toward work on the Aqua Theatre. The Rotary club is asking volunteer plank walkers to step up to help raise additional funds at this year’s event.
Anyone can volunteer for walk the plank provided that they are at least 16 years of age, bring their own life-jacket, and raise pledges of at least $50. A pledge form is available at www.orillia.com/walk-the-plank. Those interested in participating should download and print the form and bring it with their pledges to the Port of Orillia at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 2. Full instructions for participants are available on the web page.
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