Community fun cut short as fierce storms wash-out Consecon Day

Story and photos by Sharon Harrison
While it was sunny and dry for the first part of the morning in Consecon Saturday, a darkening sky and intermittent raindrops quickly turned into waves of full-blown thunderstorms, complete with torrential downpours.

The hamlet was set for its annual Consecon Day and soap box derby, as people, stalls, activities and events filled streets in and around the downtown core.

By late morning, the dark, angry storms, which could be seen heading toward Consecon from a distance away, were eventually right overhead, bringing the rumble of loud thunder claps and lightning strikes too close for comfort.

Before the torrential rain drove everyone to the safety of indoors, the main street enjoyed a short-lived bake sale and vendors inside and outside the church, and a book sale outside of the library.

Consecon resident Blanca Zizman found herself a cook book at the book sale. She said she likes to cook and says she helps out at the legion and also the church with cooking duties.

There was also face painting and a fish pond in the park, and the local firefighters and police brought some of their equipment and trucks, where the kids could have fun navigating an obstacle course.

Kids were also offered free hot dogs, ice cream and refreshments, after a free all-you-can-eat pancakes earlier in the day.

Some local residents joined in the community event hosting garage sales on front lawns and driveways.

A big part of the festivities was the soap box derby which took place on a closed section of County Road 29 (near Stinston Block Road and County Road 39) as kids had fun racing down the hill in the fastest time.

Several volunteers riding ATVs brought the carts back to the top of the hill after each set of riders completed their race.

Belly the Belleville Senators mascot was spotted greeting racers at the finish line and was happy to provide hugs and waves, and posed for photos.

The races were suspended during the worst of the weather as organizers diligently checked weather radar.
Out of safety for all, the races were eventually abandoned when the lightning arrived, along with yet more bucketfuls of rain.

Some of those watching proceedings noted how a boat may have been a more suitable vessel for racing as torrential rains turned the street to a canal more than a roadway.