Sarnia's favourite astronaut will make an encore appearance at this year's Bluewater Health Foundation Gala.
Colonel Chris Hadfield has been named the keynote speaker for the 8th annual event on May 19.
Foundation Executive Director Kathy Alexander said they've wanted to bring the bestselling author back for some time now.
"Nine years ago Bluewater Health Foundation started a gala format that featured an inspirational keynote speaker and Chris Hadfield was our very first speaker," said Alexander. "About two years ago now we started planning for his return and we're hopeful that the third time's the charm."
The festivities will be held at the Badger Hangar behind Sarnia's Chris Hadfield Airport.
"Taking into consideration who our guest is, we have moved the venue to the Badger Hanger strategically across from the Chris Hadfield Airport," said Alexander. "For a couple of reasons, it's unique and it's also a very large space to accommodate social distancing measures and health and safety measures, so that we can have people safely gathering to hear his inspirational message."
Alexander said Lambton County's own Emm Gryner, who collaborated with Chris Hadfield on his rendition of David Bowie's "Space Oddity", will serve as emcee that evening. She said tickets are on sale now, and they won't last long.
"We've actually been very successful with our gala format and selling out, but Chris Hadfield was a really quick sale, and we anticipate that will happen again this year," she said. "We do encourage people to call if they're interested, or to learn more about how they can purchase their tickets or to hold some tickets for them, and when we're sold out, we're sold out."
The $250 tickets are available through the foundation, and proceeds will benefit the $2.5 million redevelopment of the laboratory at Bluewater Health.
Over the years the Bluewater Health Foundation Gala has raised about $470,000 for different initiatives at the hospital including the Mammography Unit, a new CT scanner and Mental Health and Addictions Services.
Those in attendance at the gala, sponsored by NGL Supply Co. Ltd., will have to provide proof of vaccination in accordance with public health guidelines.
