LOOKING BACK AT CKD

Captain Kidd Days, originally planned by Corunna BIA (Business Improvement Area), had its inaugural year in 1985. The first event ran from Thursday, August 1 to Saturday, August 3, 1985.

Appreciation goes to Tracy Kingston for her wonderfully maintained archive of photos and articles.

What did CKD look like in 1985?

There was a pancake breakfast on Saturday from 7:30-10:30. Knechtel Foodland provided the ingredients and Corunna Firefighters did the cooking.
Beer tent, which was sponsored by Royal Canadian Legion Branch 447 was open near the Legion building.
Corunna Sports Store put on a dunk tank.
Corunna Dominion Hardware and Larry’s Tonsorial Shop held a fishing derby for children under 16. Prizes were given for largest fish, largest perch, largest pickerel, biggest silver bass and mystery weights.
Pet Food Warehouse ran a Pet Show in the plaza parking lot. Captain Kidd and Miss Corunna judged the “Cutest Animal”, “Best Costume”, and “Best Trick” categories.
D&B Pantry ran a BBQ outside there store.
BIA ran pony rides between Rose’s Variety and Golden Palace on Friday and Saturday afternoons.
Kay’s Petals and Plants ran a cake decorating contest on Friday afternoon. Winners were awarded with ribbons and prizes.
The Changehouse and Sewing Centre ran a balloon toss for children.
The Rotary Club sponsored a new and used auction sale at Hill Street School.
The Pedlar put in and arts and crafts show.
Corunna License Office ran a flea market.
BIA sponsored a street dance and corn roast Saturday night.
A Treasure Hunt ran from Thursday, August 1 to Saturday, August 3 that involved clues provided by local merchants. The prize was a four night trip for two to Las Vegas.

-The Gazette, July 24, 1985

A few words following the first event in 1985:

"Beyond expectations!

That's the way organizers are describing the first- of what is to become the annual - Captain Kidd Days. Sponsored by the Corunna BIA, the three-day festival which ran Thursday, Friday and Saturday, featured contests and fireworks; sidewalk sales and tea parties. "Everyone is flying high," said BIA promotions director Jean Carswell. "We really didn't expect it to be this successful." Mrs. Carswell said a "very high percentage"' of the community (both residents and businesses) participated in the festival. And in some instances, there were almost more participants than could be

accommodated. Mrs. Carswell said for the "great doughnut pig-out" sponsored by Global Donuts on Friday they had

anticipated about 15 contestants. The final number on those taking part was 87. The Cabbage Patch tea party held for children on Saturday also surpassed expected attendance. Twenty children had been planned for; 67 registered "People just participated beyond anything we had expected," Mrs. Carswell said. Other events included a treasure hunt which involved collecting clues posted at 19 businesses in the village. The winner of the trip for two to Las Vegas

was John Davies, of England, who was in Corunna visiting his sister. Also held were cake decorating contests, costume

judging, a flea market and crafts sale, pony rides and balloon toss for the children and a corn roast and street dance.

Mrs. Carswell said planning is already under way for next year’s Captain Kidd Days."

-The Observer, Tuesday, August 6, 1985