LANCASTER – Two South Glengarry businessmen are organizing a Canada Day celebration for Glen Walter Regional Park.
Rizwan Mustafa of Sheep’s Head Bistro and Chris Bourgon of Gilles Barber Shop shared their vision with South Glengarry council last week.
The free event would be geared toward families, Mustafa told council. Activities would include food vendors, tug-of-war competition, basketball for charity, face painting and bouncy castles.
The group already has a few hundred dollars in donations and more fundraising events are planned before July. They have also arranged policing from the O.P.P., bathrooms, tents and liquor licencing, they said.
The two men are asking the municipality to help out with a $3,000 donation for the fireworks, pointing to similar donations to Martintown and the Optimist Club for Canada Day celebrations.
“That would pretty much cover all the fireworks,” Bourgon said. He estimates the event will cost around $10,000.
“It’s going to be a small event. We’re just starting and we do have some people in the Glen Water area who are looking to help us with volunteers,” Bourgon explained.
“I think this is a great initiative. I’m really glad to see something going on in that park,” Deputy Mayor Lyle Warden said. “I remember the day that park was opened.”
Coun. Stephanie Jaworski thanked them for stepping forward and being community builders. “It’s a big project even if it’s small. Hats off to you for organizing it…it’s a great community building event.”
Bourgon says they want to build the community spirit into the village again since the loss of the Knights of Columbus and the chamber of commerce. “I love Glen Walter. I love South Glengarry. We’re looking to make Glen Walter more of a home rather than a bedroom community so-to-speak,” Bourgon said.
The group also asked for a letter of support to allow them to get a liquor licence, which was endorsed by council.
A report on the donation ask will come back to a future council meeting.
The Canada Day event will run from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Monday, July 1.