As the Canadian Redneck Games draws close to its fifth anniversary, organizers are preparing for bigger and better things.
Business and Economic Development Manager Belinda Wick-Graham was joined by Mandy Hansen in making a presentation to Minto councillors on May 19.
Wick-Graham said, “It’s very exciting times ahead.”
Hansen said the presentation was to look at awards, what is new this year and new parts of the event. She noted this year will include an economic impact study.
Organizers are also starting to expand the social media outlets on the web.
Wick-Graham said the Redneck Games is a multiple award winning event in Ontario and across Canada. “We were in the top 100 and had the best community involvement.”
Hansen said Friday night will again host a Redneck Comedy Night that includes comedians Frank Spadone and Steve Cox. There will be wings and nachos supreme again this year, she said. As well, alcoholic beverages will be available. Wick-Graham said tickets are going very fast for that event.
“A big part of that is RV groups from across Ontario who are staying from Thursday to Sunday. They bought packages, so they will be participating in all this stuff. We’re getting calls from everywhere this year,” she said.
Wick-Graham said there are a number of new events for the fifth anniversary. Some of those on Saturday include morning yard and sidewalk sales across Minto, a Kar-Ruze Car Show in downtown Harriston, a ball hockey tournament for the kids, Settlers Creek Band, a return of the West Coast Lumberjack Show, Disc Dog demos by R&R Pet Paradise, a Redneck Wedding followed by a Redneck Hoedown reception featuring the Too Drunk to Fish Band.
That night at the Harriston community centre, the Canadian Redneck Games will be presenting Corb Lunch and the Hurtin’ Albertans, with special friend Fred Eaglesmith and Band.
Wick-Graham noted the games recently received funds from Celebrate Ontario to be used for the concert and to bring more people to the community. There will be an anniversary fireworks display during the intermission.
Hansen said Sunday includes the third annual Mud Pit Volleyball Tournament in Clifford. “Quite a few teams are really interested.”
This year, Minto was chosen as one of 20 places through Festivals Ontario to participate in a study that will include on-site surveys with visitors to find out more about spending.
“With that information, we can show the true economic impact of the event. I don’t think everyone is aware of what this entails. It’s not just the profit that we give back to the community, but the amount spent within the community and by the people coming in to the community.”
Hansen noted the relaunch of the website at www.canadianredneckgames.ca. Since March, there have been 224,000 hits on the website. In addition, the event is now on Facebook and Twitter.
Wick-Graham said a big part of the event’s success is the involvement of community groups. Hansen thanked council for its support over the years, from support of the Mud Pit volleyball team, participation in the Redneck Parade, and the appreciation barbecue.
Council passed an exemption to its noise bylaw to accommodate the Saturday night concert and fireworks. Minto council also passed a bylaw to execute and agreement between the town and the Concert Factory, which books entertainment for the event.
“It’s going to be a wild night,” predicted Mayor David Anderson.
