The decade of spring concerts were started by the Hunter family-- Hugh and Wendi and their children Cassie and Mac-- in memory of their daughter, Emma Hunter, who passed away at the age of two to cancer. Proceeds from the event go to childhood cancer research at the Hospital for Sick Kids.

"The key reason for the success of Songs for Hope over the past years is the involvement of family and friends," say Wendi and Hugh. "Our family helps out in setting up the hall, baking dinner rolls and preparing desserts, working in the kitchen, running the bar and then tearing it all down again. We have family coming from upstate New York, Sudbury, Toronto. We have even a family member and performer come out from British Columbia.

"Another fortunate thing about our friends that they are musicians. Our family is made up of musicians and music is firmly ingrained in our daily activities. We have never had a problem getting enough musicians to volunteer their time to put together a very enjoyable evening of entertainment."

Since this is the 10th anniversary the family is planning a different day that will run through the afternoon and wrap up with an evening coffee house-style show, 2 p.m. to midnight at the Ballinafad Community Centre, featuring many of the artists who have played at the show over the past nine years.

There will be an open stage set up outside where soloists and bands can play a set for those in attendance. There will also be open mic opportunities. Barbecues will be set up and available for people to cook their own food. There is a permanent picnic shelter in the park and a great playground for the kids.

Entrance for the afternoon event, 2-5 p.m., is through a pay-what-you-will fee. However, the evening event, 7-10 p.m., inside the hall will be ticketed. It includes scheduled performers with desserts and refreshments for sale, plus door and draw prizes. Tickets are $15 adults, children $10 and children under five free. To get tickets, call the Hunter family, 519-853-1383, e-mail hhunter@thetank.biz, or are available at the door.

In honour of the 10th anniversary the Hunters invited past performers from the previous nine events. They include Suzanne Hnatiw, a local fiddle teacher opening the show with the talents of some of her students, a Brampton Folk Club member, John Stroud, back again for a third year with his humourous music, local duo Don Albett (also emcee) and Brent Cooper, who are soon to release a CD, guitarist and songster Neil Sharp, and a recently formed band called Random Roads. Second Wind will be back as the closer this year.