The Grand Bend Optimist Club is changing its format for this year's Beachfest and is holding the event free of charge.
Beachfest will be held on Saturday, June 24 from 2 p.m. until 10 p.m.
Organizer Paul Mussio said they're hoping to boost attendee turnout this year. Last year, there were only about 600 attendees throughout the day.
The event will feature three local bands, food and drink vendors, including Torched Brewing Company and Junction 56 Distillery.
The Grand Bend Arts Centre will also have activities available until 6 p.m. for young attendees in the kids zone at the observation deck.
Mussio said Beachfest has been around for over 30 years and has changed formats multiple times.
"It started out as Burgerfest way back when," he said. "The optimist continued it and they did a Drive and Jive for a long time, and then when the Rotary stage [was] built, we decided to have bands perform and entertain the masses on the beach."
Although this year's Beachfest is free, Optimist Club members will be accepting donations at the event. Mussio said money raised will support local youth in the community through school programs, scholarships, and camp initiatives.
Mussio thanked the event sponsors for repeatedly stepping up.
