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Tim Anderson
The figures are finally in for the Southampton 150th celebration
that took place last summer (2008).
The final figure, as presented in a report by Treasurer, Tim
Andersen, at Monday's Council meeting, shows a surplus of $73,000.
"This surplus," said Committee President, Shirley Irwin, "exceeds
our wildest dreams." It is anticipated that the monies will go
toward a fund to be set up for community-based projects.
A Canadian Heritage grant of $94,800 enabled the committee to expand
the entertainment for the August 14th - 17th event and, as a result,
gross revenues including grants, sponsorship, fundraising and event
sales were over $212,000. The grant itself went to support the many
artists and musicians as well as heritage and historical projects.
At its April 10th, 2008 meeting, Southampton's 150th Anniversary
Committee made the decision that any surplus should go toward
Southampton community projects, among them a possible Town Hall
interior renovation and Streetscape period lighting. As a result,
two period streetlights will be installed with a plaque denoting the
150th contribution, with the remainder held for the possible
restoration and not for any consulting or planning fees as was set
out in a letter to Canadian Heritage. (next column)
22/06/2009 11:52 PM
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The 150th Executive Committee of 10 members will remain in order to
ovesee the disbursement of the surplus. In addition to the Committee,
was a 20-member steering committee, 25 event committees and more than
300 volunteers who put in over 10,000 volunteer hours.
As part of a legacy to the town, five permanent markers were placed at
historical sites within the community - The Knowles Block on the
Boardwalk at the base of Morpeth St., the Old Train Station [known as
Grosvenor's], The Furniture Making Era at Morpeth & Albert Streets,
Southampton's Waterfront at the end of High St. and Saugeen River
Harbour in front of the harbour Tour Base.
The period costumes used throughout the celebration will now be stored
at the Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre to be used by any local
non-profit organization at no cost.
Steve McMillan, Music Co-ordinator for the Anniversary, said that, "This
is the kind of event that pulls a community together. It doesn't forget
the past but uses it to shape the future."
"The only unfortunate part," said Mayor Mike Smith, "is that this kind
of celebration can only happen once every 150 years!"
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