The Santa Claus Annual Charity Waterski Show is returning to Kearney for its 9th year on Nov. 8 in support of the Kearney Lions Club Food Drive.
The event will kick off at 1 p.m. on Main Street in Mirror Bay.
“We raised money for the Burks Falls and area food bank, and food bank demand is up 44% this year. So, in the brief period of time we’ve been around, we’ve become the largest contributor to that food bank,” said event organizer Scott Waites.
Waites said the event is designed to help less fortunate people in the community who are struggling.
“The food bank provides support to many families in our community. It’s amazing to see the community and local businesses come together to support such a fun and meaningful event,” said Kearney Deputy Mayor Mike Rickward.
Waites said last year they had around 3,000 attendees and raised over $11,000 and 3,500 pounds of food. This year, they plan to surpass that. He anticipates a 20 per cent increase in attendance, and said major donors have already contributed $5,000.
According to Waites, every year, skiers from all over the country come to perform in the show “on their own nickel” to support the initiative.
“We have about 25 of Canada’s best show skiers, nine women, and they’ll be doing all sorts of show ski acts, swivel, pyramids, barefoot acts, and this year, for the first ever, we have ski jump,” said Waites.
Waites said there will also be coffee and food vendors on the street supporting the food bank.
“If you do come, you can bring non-perishable food or make cash donations at the event,” said Waites, adding donations are also being accepted via Facebook and Instagram.
