BRIDGEWATER - A July 1 jam-packed lineup of events is final with only a golf challenge as the lone casualty.

 There was some hesitation among the volunteers to take it on, given the time frame and the volume of work involved to plan for Canada Day 2008, said committee chairman Dennis Woodworth.

 The golf event, which would have seen duffers trying to hit a ball into a man-made hole on a barge in the LaHave River, is shelved until next year.

 "There's nothing wrong with saving one good event for the next year," Mr. Woodworth said.

 The committee finalized more than two dozen attractions at Shipyards Landing and the south parkade, on the town's west side.

 Major events include the Jenna Martin Kids of Steel Triathlon, named for the local accomplished track athlete, and the third annual Glen Murray street hockey tournament, named for Bridgewater's homegrown NHL star.

 Among other events are the Halifax Rainmen three-on-three basketball tournament, where the coach and some players will make an appearance, and the first Great Canadian LaHave River Race, which sees teams of four building and racing a raft.

 Entertainment acts highlighted include J.D. Clark, the Persuaders, Midlife Crisis and former Canadian Idol contestant Dwight d'Eon.

 The full slate of events can be found at the Canada Day Rocks the River web site, which can be accessed from the South Shore Community Directory at www.southshorenow.ca on the internet.

 Age restrictions, entrance fees and other costs may apply on some events.

 No citizenship ceremony is scheduled for this year.

 The Molson Zone licenced area will be open on the South Parkade between 5 and 10:30 p.m. This idea met with some opposition from those who thought a beer tent would encourage excessive drinking.

 Meanwhile, the committee's bid for sponsorships met with success, including $2,100 coming from Heritage Canada and an unexpected - but appreciated - $5,000 from Democracy 250.

 The committee's overall budget is about $50,000.

 "By the time all is said and done we should have a good base of capital to put together a really good show for next year," Mr. Woodworth said.

 Plans are already in the works for fundraisers to raise money later on for the 2009 event.

posted on 06/24/08