By Deron Hamel

The third annual Summerfest Sail Away Cruise is expected be the event’s largest gathering yet, with organizers anticipating more than 75 people coming aboard to sail the coast of Lake Ontario on June 10.

The cruise raises money each year to help send children living with epilepsy to Summerfest Camp if their families require financial assistance.

John Cvijanovich, the cruise committee’s chair, says attendees can expect some changes for this year’s cruise.

People attending the Summerfest Sail Away Cruise this year will have an entire ship to themselves. The event has also been moved to a Friday night, which is expected to attract more people.

Organizers are hoping to raise between $4,000 and $5,000 this year.

Cvijanovich says last year’s cruise was a success, with about 60 people attending. He notes that the cruise committee is hoping to build upon that success.

“We had a lot of positive feedback and great reviews last year,” he says. “For this year, we’re looking for a big increase in the number of people.”

For 22 years, Summerfest Camp has seen an average of 20 to 40 children and youth attend each session, where they participate in activities such as hiking, kayaking and sports at Camp Couchiching, near Orillia.

Summerfest Camp enables children aged six to 15 who are living with seizure disorders to attend camp with other children. The camp provides a setting where children can forget about their epilepsy and enjoy a camping experience with others.

The Summerfest Sail Away cruise, which includes a buffet dinner, dancing, silent auction, 50-50 draw and door prizes, will coast along Lake Ontario’s shoreline for 3 ½ hours on June 10.

The cruise will set sail from the docks at Mariposa Cruises at 207 Queens Quay West, Toronto, at 6:30 p.m. and return at 10:30 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased online by clicking here.

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