The Town of Minto will provide a loan of up to $5,000 to organizers of the upcoming Canada Packer’s Reunion here.
Canada Packers Reunion 2018 committee members Lisa Leslie and councillor Dave Turton made a request for the funds to council on March 22.
“Our committee is working hard to organize the weekend of Aug. 9, 10, and 11 for former (Canada Packers) workers to come to the Town of Minto (Harriston) and meet and greet old friends,” the committee states in a letter to council.
“This money will be used over the course of the weeks leading up to the reunion weekend. The $5,000 will be paid back after the event is over.”
The event his being held in conjunction with the annual Harriston Street Party.
Leslie told council the reunion will kick off with the annual Minto Mayor’s Charity Golf Tournament at Pike Lake on Aug. 9.
She noted some former Canada Packers employees had expressed interest in attending the tournament “and it would add an additional day to our event.”
Reunion events continue on Aug. 10 with a Kinsmen Beef Barbecue at the Harriston arena from 5:30 to 8pm. The dinner will be followed by a social time at the arena, she noted.
Saturday’s events begin with a breakfast hosted by the Harriston Legion. In addition, the Harriston Historical Society is planning a display of Canada Packers memorabilia, Leslie Motors will be holding its annual car show, the Minto Youth Action Council is once again planning an Amazing Race-style scavenger hunt and the Harriston Downtown Revitalization Committee is arranging for bouncy castles, face painting and other entertainment on Elora Street.
Leslie said organizers are hoping local merchants will once again get involved though sidewalk sales and other activities downtown.
The second annual Savour in the Street dinner will be held downtown, from 6 to 8pm, followed by a street dance from 8 to 11pm.
Leslie said the historical society is considering hosting a breakfast on Sunday to wrap things up.
“We have the Legion involved; the Kinsmen are involved; the historical society is involved. So we’re using a lot of other people’s services to help us out,” noted Turton.
“We’re hoping the CP people returning will enhance the street party all weekend.”
“It’s great that you worked it into things that are already happening. I think that’s a super idea,” commented Mayor George Bridge.
“It’s going to make it easier for us to enjoy the weekend,” said Turton.
He explained the money requested will be used for such things as advertising, stationary, gifts, prizes and stamps.
Leslie said the committee is compiling a database of former employees and has set up a Facebook page to provide information about the reunion.
Councillor Mary Lou Colwell asked what revenue sources the committee anticipated.
Turton said there would be souvenir sales and an anticipated contribution from the hosts of various meals at the event.
He also noted the committee has applied to be among the beneficiaries of the mayor’s golf tournament proceeds.
A motion to provide the requested loan passed unopposed.
