Many Cornwall citizens will remember the Jello Jump, an annual event that was first hosted at the old Brookdale Mall. This September, it’s making a comeback at Arnold Bethune Park at 75 Simcoe Street in Long Sault.
According to the Cornwall Community Museum, “The annual event which launched in 1981, was co-sponsored by the Brookdale Mall and CJSS Radio.” The last annual Jello Jump took place in 1999. A 10-year anniversary event was held at the Cornwall Square in 2009.
After hearing reminiscing about the Jello Jump on the radio station Boom 101.9, Lost Villages Lions Club member Gerald Potvin decided it was time to bring back the popular event.
“Prior to the event closing I made the jelly every year,” explained Potvin, “I also had a chance to jump in the jelly twice.”
Hopeful participants can buy a button for $10 to have their name put on a ballot for a chance to jump in a swimming pool filled with green jello. In the jello are numbered pucks that correspond to different prizes.
This year, the prizes will range from $50 to $550. Many local businesses have donated gift cards and other prizes for the occasion. Sponsors have also donated the pool and ladder needed for the event, along with 10, 100-gallon bags of biodegradable gelatin purchased from Amazon to fill the pool!
A draw to choose the winners will take place on September 7, 2022, at the regular meeting of the Lost Villages Lions Club. About 20 jumpers will be chosen. The Jello Jump will take place on September 10 at noon, with registration at 11 am. There will also be a vendors market that day from 10 am – 3 pm and food trucks present for the event.
For more information visit the “Lost Villages Lion’s Club” Facebook page or call: Sharon @ 613-577-0818 or Gerry @ 613-577-1808.
