Heritage/A&E

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The Kincardine Scottish Festival and Highland Games has a new chairman and some fresh new ideas for the 2012 event.

The annual general meeting was held Wednesday night (Oct. 26), with about 20 people in attendance.

Absent was the 2011 chairman David J. McFarlane who has stepped down from the position he has held for the past three years helping the group through its transition from a committee of Kincardine council to an independent corporation.

The new chairman is Tony Doherty, with vice-chairperson Donna Sue Errington, secretary Marilyn Lauzon, interim treasurer Rick Robson, directors Susan Bradley, David Nathanson, Marion Fink, Sherilyn Dudgeon and David Spence, and past-chairman Gordon Rodgers.

In a report to the annual meeting, McFarlane said this year's event was a great success despite there being a lot of "firsts". It was the first time being run as a stand-alone corporation; it was the first time having a lady Grand Chieftain with Rose Gentles; the first time the heavy events were held at the beach; and the first time the pipe band competition drew five Grade 1 bands from Canada and the United States.

McFarlane credited the success to the year-round commitment of the hard-working executive. He urged more people to step forward to work on that committee. And he praised the many good volunteers who help on festival weekend.

While he is stepping down as chairman, McFarlane said he will continue to be involved in some capacity "with this event that attracts visitors from near and far to this Kincardine that we all cherish."

In her report, event manager Diahanne Thomson said the number of volunteers was up this year, with 142 volunteers welcoming visitors from around the world.

Despite economic challenges, she said, the festival successfully generated $54,156 in cash sponsorships, and welcomed four Chieftain Supreme sponsors, plus media sponsorship.

The financial report showed total revenue of $173,304, down by $5,000 compared to what was budgeted; and total expenses of $164,140, also down from the $170,000 budgeted, leaving a surplus of $9,164.

An audited financial statement, complete with actuals from previous years, will be available at a later date.

Doherty, who chaired the annual meeting, noted that a special meeting will have to be called later this year to review the new Constitution.

He praised the executive for a great festival this year. "It was a very professional job and now we can move this event forward."

Gentles thanked the festival committee for the privilege of being Chieftain.

"It was an honour for me and for my family," she said. "Also, to everyone who is helping out the people of Goderich and donating to the tornado disaster relief fund, it is greatly appreciated. My daughter and her husband lost their house and their business. Everyone is very grateful for everything being done to help."

"We'll do as much as we can for them," said Doherty, referring to fund-raising events being held in Kincardine to assist Goderich in the wake of the tornado that hit Aug. 21.

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Sunday, October 30, 2011