It’s a “go” in Port Elgin, but it’s a “no go” in Southampton.
The Manager of Recreation and Culture for Saugeen Shores Jayne Jagelewski says fund-raising beach carnivals will be back this summer at the Port Elgin Beach but they’re taking a year off at the Southampton pavilion by Gerry’s Fries.
On Soundingboard recently Jagelewski says they’ve addressed an issue brought up by a resident to the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Commission about children gambling at games of chance.
She says there will still be Crown and Anchor and Cake Wheel games but only adults 18 years and older will be allowed to play.
Children will be invited to play at games of skill, such as mini-putting and bean bag toss, in order to win tokens that can be collected and exchanged for prizes.
Jagelewski says it’s a change from years gone by and for that reason this will be a “pilot year” that will be tried in Port Elgin only.
If it works, Southampton will be added again next year.
Jagelewski says the Port Elgin beach carnivals begin on Saturday, June 27th and will run each Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and on long weekends, Sunday as well.
She says they have some days open for any groups interested in running one of the carnivals.
She says some previous participants have dropped out for this year, which has opened the spaces.
Operators use the carnivals to raise funds for their respective groups.
By the way, the gaming commission only wants adults playing the games of chance but paying a quarter to do so, doesn’t cut it.
The rules state a minimum bet of 50-cents must be made if playing games of chance so there will be a price hike this year.
The children’s games of skill will cost a quarter to take part.
