The 2nd Annual Yellow Hat Open

The deadline is approaching to submit to the Yellow Hat Open, which is looking for cover bands to perform in support of the Jim Stokley Scholarship. Only 90 minutes from Detroit, all the event's proceeds go to charity. While the performance will be unpaid; however, the event serves as a great opportunity for exposure and introduction to the Sarnia Rogers Bayfest community. During Rogers Bayfest 2009, over 1200 ball caps were sold (all proceeds to the scholarship fund) and a personal donation of $1000 was made by none other than Tim McGraw./n/nThe second annual Yellow Hat Open will be held at Huron Oaks Golf Course in Ontario, just 90 minutes from Detroit, Michigan. 100% of the proceeds from this event will go to support the Jim Stokley Scholarship which will benefit community youth who have demonstrated an involvement within the community.



The promoter is looking for a great band to provide sing-alongs (mostly cover songs) and keep the party going after the tournament, and during dinner. The selected band will be given a free meal, and a round of golf for a later date at Huron Oaks Golf Course. Most importantly, this is a great opportunity for the band to socialize with members of the Sarnia Rogers Bayfest staff and community, one of Ontario's biggest events.



Attendees will enjoy a golfing package which includes 18 holes of golf (with cart), a prime rib dinner as well as challenge prizes and silent and live auctions.

Jim Stokely was famous for wearing his yellow Bayfest hat and calling people “Big Guy," so it was fitting that the “Yellow Hat” fundraiser was started. During Rogers Bayfest 2009, over 1200 ball caps were sold (all proceeds to the scholarship fund) and a personal donation of $1000 was made by none other than Tim McGraw. Yellow hats are still available for purchase at Stoke’s Bay and Stoke’s Inland (and will be available while supplies last at the Yellow Hat Open).

Jim Stokley (along with his wife, Michele) founded and had promoted Rogers Bayfest since its inception in 1999. He was a family man, first, with a deep love and admiration for the City of Sarnia. Unfortunately for Sarnia, his family, his friends and all that knew him, Jim Stokley died on June 5, 2009. The Jim Stokley Scholarship will be awarded to a post secondary student that shows the same characteristics Jim himself valued. It will not simply go to the best student, but the one with the biggest heart.