It was a night to honour the volunteers and a night to present cheques.
On Aug. 12, councillors recognized the efforts of those who helped make the 2009 Canadian Redneck Games a success with a community barbecue on the lawn of the town office. Later, cheques were divided among the participating groups.
Business and economic manager Belinda Wick-Graham, business and economic assistant Mandy Hansen and recreation director Dave Stonley were on hand to provide a quick overview.
Wick-Graham said typically the presentations included the overall goals and how they were achieved, “But every year we’ve been achieving them.”
Organizers tried something new this year, holding the comedy night at the Palmerston community centre and offering wings and nachos.
“It was a good way to kick things off. Then we had our wonderful parade, and you might recognize a few people,” Wick-Graham said, pointing to the powerpoint presentation on screen.
She cited the mayor and deputy-mayor, followed by Clerk Marsha Paley “as well as some of the other cool floats in the parade. The Redneck Games were again a hit.”
Wick-Graham said MPP John Wilkinson is apparently telling everyone about the lighting of the toilet to kick off the games.
She thanked council for its support of the mudpit volleyball tournament. She joked that “I don’t like to brag, but my team won for another consecutive year … but it’s not fixed.”
Wick-Graham was equally excited about the event getting international coverage. She said the games were contacted by a South Korean television station.
“The other thing that was really cool was that we were on MTV,” she said.
The other issues were the profits from this year’s event.
“Despite sponsorships being down $5,000 this year, we managed to raise more money,” Wick-Graham said.
“We brought in $10,260, of which 75% is shared with our groups.” That means cheques totalling $6,795 were distributed that night.
She noted because of the increased revenue, even with increased expenses, if the sponsorships had remained the same, the event would have raised the most money ever.
She said 24 community groups participated this year, “which is the best part of the event.” Many representatives were in the council chambers, and Wick-Graham said many more made it to the barbecue.
“Thanks again to all you guys; we couldn’t do it without you, she said.”
Wick-Graham also noted the Redneck Games have won the community involvement award for Festivals Ontario twice within three years. “It’s outstanding,” she said.
