YMCA Northumberland Brings Community Together for ‘Encore at the Midway’ Fundraiser
YMCA Northumberland proudly hosted two unforgettable evenings at the historic Port Hope Drive-In – often called the Midway – for its much-anticipated Encore at the Midway fundraiser, presented in partnership with Bin IT / Cut IT Ltd. The event brought together hundreds of community members for live entertainment, classic films, family activities, and a heartfelt farewell to a beloved local landmark, while raising vital support for youth across the region.
Over the course of the weekend, Encore at the Midway raised $36,000+ in support of YMCA Northumberland’s Back on Track program. Designed for youth ages 12-17, this program provides mentorship, skill development, and confidence-building opportunities to help students overcome challenges, turn setbacks into comebacks, and grow into tomorrow’s leaders.
“The drive-in has been a place where generations of families laughed, celebrated, and made memories together,” said Eunice Kirkpatrick, President and Chief Executive Officer, YMCA Northumberland.
“Encore at the Midway was our tribute to that legacy — and seeing the community come together one last time to honour this landmark has been incredibly moving. As a community, we’ve turned those memories into hope and opportunity for youth across Northumberland.”
The evenings were filled with connection and celebration, creating new memories for attendees while strengthening the impact of the YMCA throughout the community. Attendees enjoyed live music before the show, an engaging “touch-a-truck” display, kids’ activities, food vendors, and free popcorn. Families such as Jemma Racine’s joined in full force. “It was a lovely way to wrap up the first week back to school,” Racine shared. “The girls loved it.”
Presenting Partners Roger Chernuck and Peg McCarthy, co-owners of Bin IT / Cut IT Ltd., shared their vision of an event at the old drive-In with YMCA Northumberland, and from there the event emerged.
“Roger and I heard about the Y’s Back on Track program, which has had such wonderful results, and we thought it would be a perfect fit to host a family event at the drive-in to help raise funds and awareness about the program,” said McCarthy. “And seeing all the families with the kids running around in their pyjamas and excited about the movies was the best, especially knowing that through their enjoyment, we
would be helping this vital program.”
Through the generous support of Bin IT / Cut IT Ltd., the Children’s Foundation and private donors, several local families were able to enjoy the event with subsidized tickets too, ensuring this celebration was more accessible.
Furthermore, YMCA Northumberland extends sincere gratitude to their generous sponsors, partners, and supporters who made this event a success. Special thanks to Presenting Sponsors, Bin It / Cut It Ltd., along with Event Sponsors Lakeland Multi-Trade, Canadian Resin Recovery, New Amherst Homes, and Ganaraska Financial. They are also grateful to Media Partners MyFM 93.3 and Classic Rock 107.9, plus Event Partners local Rotary Clubs of Cobourg, Port Hope and Northumberland Sunrise, as well as the Lion’s Club of Cobourg. Thanks also to In-kind Donors Cooper Equipment Rentals, Domino’s Pizza, SLD Electric, Home Depot and Staples. Further, appreciation goes to The Children’s Foundation, Gord and Patti Ley, food vendors Codeman’s Fries and Things Chip Truck, Craft Food House, and Lions Clubs of Cobourg plus DJ Bumble, Rainbow Cinemas, Trudy’s Source for Sports, and Baldwin AV for their support. Gratitude goes out to live performers, Greatest of Ease, Garage Dog, Cale Crowe, Rayleigh and Deborah Lynn & Band as well.
Finally, a heartfelt thanks is extended to the many volunteers whose time, energy, and dedication made this weekend possible. Encore at the Midway stands as a successful community collaboration, honouring the Midway Drive-in’s historic role while building brighter futures for at-risk teens across the county. For more information about YMCA Northumberland’s Back on Track program, please visit ymcanrt.org/back-on-track.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love