General Manager Don Senek welcomed volunteers to an orientation/sign up session for the 150th Community Anniversary and 2017 Clifford Homecoming held on July 14 at the John Hobelman Memorial Rotary Pavilion Park in Clifford.
Volunteer chair Janna Dally explained that it was important for everyone to feel safe and comfortable in their volunteer role. Most importantly, have fun, smile, create memories, and make it fun for all.
Everyone had the opportunity to talk to committee chairs and sign the chart outlining the volunteer positions needed and at what times.
Chairman Bill Smith assured everyone their time and talents are appreciated as this Homecoming is volunteer driven and volunteer run. He reassured everyone that a volunteer appreciation event will be held after Homecoming.
The enthusiasm continues to build as the reality of the Aug. 4 to 7 event approaches.
More people realize they have one more item to add to the itinerary for an already jam packed four-day event and more people are realizing they could add their name to the list of volunteers.
The hot air balloon rides, dog show, paint ball, obstacle course, 5K walk, Dickie Bird, and Val E. Joy all have their times and days listed.
But many may not know how incredible the activities will be at the library. The magic show, robotics, and badge making, along with photo taking will be awesome events for children.
The combined church service at the entertainment tent on Sunday is scheduled, but Rev. Jennifer Mountain will have Knox United Church open an hour before and an hour after the parade.
Visitors can also see the contents of the Methodist time capsule discovered last autumn.
On Sunday, there is a morning worship service at Alsfeldt United Church and another at Knox. Rev. Jennifer also invites everyone to a community cemetery service later in the day at 4pm.
Volunteer firefighter Larry Newton will have the doors open at the fire hall so visitors can take a peek at the restored 1947 Mercury fire truck and view videos of fires that devastated the core of the community.
During their last open practice night, the volunteer firefighters secured hundreds of feet of fencing all around the Homecoming site and marked out the parking spots.
The Smokey and the Bandit movie will be playing at the Crown Theatre in Harriston on July 28 and before the movie begins there will be a chance for attendees see Trans Ams and the sheriff’s car in the parking lot of Harry Stone’s.
Viewers can also order their very own movie inspired ‘Diablo burger’.
Movie enthusiasts will also have a chance to see these cars in the Homecoming parade following their Smokey and the Bandit run around the bends through Howick.
On Aug. 3, drop by Miller Insurance in Clifford for a barbecue lunch from 11am to 2pm.
“Grab your friends, family, and co-workers and join us for lunch as we get ready for the biggest weekend of the summer,” organizers state.
They welcome all donations with all proceeds going to the Homecoming committee.
The souvenir store is open on Saturday from 10am to 1pm selling clothing, cookbooks, history books, decorations and tickets.
To avoid lineups at the registration table in the pavilion, visitors are encouraged to order meals and show tickets early.
“Clifford is well known for its abundance of good food and the daily breakfast meals and barbecue dinners will be sure to please every taste,” organizers state.
To please every party goer, there promises to be a fireworks display on Sunday evening.
Check out Homecoming at www.clifford2017.ca and save the date from Aug. 4 to 7 to come celebrate Clifford, organizers state.
