Harriston Heritage Days was such a success organizers are planning to turn it into an annual event.
John Mock and Lisa Leslie of the organizing committee told Minto council at their Sept. 17 meeting the event generated approximately $12,000 for local groups and organizations and plenty of business for local restaurants during the Aug. 23-25 festivities.
Mock advised council that seed money provided by the municipality was used primarily for pre-event advertising.
Leslie said the Harriston Historical Society displays at the library were visited by at least 240 people. A breakfast at the Harriston Legion on Saturday morning attracted about 250 and raised $1,400 for the Legion and the local K-40 club fed 500 people at a beef barbecue and raised about $4,000, which will be donated to the historical society. A Touch a Truck event held at Harriston Motors raised approximately $5,000 for the Minto Fire Department. Proceeds from beverage sales on Friday and Saturday nights, about $1,000, were split between the Harriston Kinsmen and the Minto-Mapleton 81’s hockey team.
Heritage Days grew out of plans to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Ford dealership in Harriston. Leslie Motors donated t-shirts, which were sold at the event, raising another $600 for the Harriston Historical Society.
Councillor Ron Faulkner noted a number of groups held social events built around the Heritage Days weekend, bringing even more people into town.
“The spinoffs were just unbelievable,” said Faulkner.
Mock said the success of the event has organizers considering making it an annual affair, once again including a car show, although a date has yet to be chosen.
Deputy mayor Terry Fisk said he believes the event would be well received in the future.
“I have heard a number of comments and they all end with, ‘When are you doing it again?’” Fisk said.
