Largest crowd ever at 12th annual Bruce Power Beach Party in Kincardine

The largest crowd ever took in the 12th annual Bruce Power Beach Party, held at Station Beach and Reunion Park, Kincardine, Saturday afternoon and evening.

It was sunny and hot, with a nice breeze, as thousands of adults and children filled the park to enjoy the bouncy castles, games and activities, face-painting, 48-foot obstacle course, rock-climbing wall, and the Reptile Show from Kitchener which featured geckos, snakes, skinks, chameleons and tegus.

Youngsters came dressed as their favourite Superhero or Princess, and were thrilled with the shows by the Avengers - Captain America, the Incredible Hulk and Iron Man; and by the Princesses - Elsa, Anna, Cinderella and Snow White. The children were also able to have their photos taken with the characters.

Country music artist Ty Baynton blasted onto the stage with some rocking entertainment, performing in the afternoon and again in the evening. He is the headliner for the Boots and Hearts show in Barrie this year.

A huge line-up formed for the free beef-on-a-bun, veggie burgers and hot dogs, served by volunteers.

During the opening ceremonies, Duncan Hawthorne, Bruce Power president and chief executive officer, welcomed everyone and said the company is pleased to put on this party every year - each year about between Kincardine and Port Elgin - as a way to thank the community for its support.

"2015 has been the best year so far for Bruce Power and we want to thank our employees, their families and the community for supporting what we do. Let's also have a round of applause for all the organizers and volunteers who helped put on this party. Enjoy the day, and enjoy the fireworks tonight."

Kincardine mayor Anne Eadie brought greetings from the municipality and thanked Bruce Power for staging this wonderful event.

"We are proud to host this party in our beautiful lakeside municipality," she said. "This is a fabulous family party - we need more parties like this for children, parents and grandparents to attend.

"Bruce Power is always giving back to our community, supporting the hospital, many local events, Community Living, and much more. It's such a good company for not only Kincardine but the surrounding area. We are proud to host the largest nuclear plant in the world. Thanks to Bruce Power and enjoy your Saturday night."

Luke Charbonneau, deputy mayor of Saugeen Shores, also thanked Bruce Power for the great party. "When Bruce Power succeeds, we all succeed. It's the world's largest nuclear power plant, and that must be the largest line-up for beef-on-a-bun!"

Huron-Bruce MP Ben Lobb said Bruce Power is certainly a treasure in this community. "From the leadership of Duncan (Hawthorne) and his staff right through to the workers who do the day-to-day efforts. Our communities are stronger and more vibrant thanks to the contributions of Bruce Power and its commitment to provide stable, affordable electricity in this province, now and for years to come."