Arthur Optimist Canada Day ball tourney approved as community festival
Councillors here have given their blessing once again for the Arthur Optimist Club’s annual Canada Day Weekend to be deemed a community festival.
It is slated for June 26 to 28.
Although a tentative schedule was provided to council, Optimist club member Tim Boggs noted, “Basically, it’s the same every year.”
It includes various categories of ball tournaments, dances, and a beer garden throughout the weekend. On the Saturday and Sunday there will be free swimming from 2pm to 4pm, and on Sunday there will be kids activities throughout the afternoon.
Council approved the request, subject to approvals by other agencies.
Darcy’s Ball Tournament
Council also endorsed Darcy’s Culp’s annual three pitch tournament as a community festival, but were puzzled on the presentation of the request this year.
Twyla Hunter, acting as Culp’s advocate, wrote to council on behalf of Culp and the Arthur Merchants Fastball Association.
Hunter noted Culp has hosted (with assistance) the event for the past 12 years. She said for the past six years, the Arthur Merchants have run the tournament. She added that Culp donates all the money raised after expenses back into the community.
“I’m proud to say that over the last 12 years Darcy has donated thousands of dollars to various community organizations.”
Chief Administrative Officer Lori Heinbuch explained the tournament has been deemed a community event in the past. The designation is traditionally part of the process to obtain a liquor licence.
Mayor Mike Broomhead said the confusion was the request that it be turned into a community festival.
Organizations typically make the request on an annual basis. Council gave its approval to have the event on July 17 and 18 be classified as a community event.
