in Chatsworth, Grey Highlands, Southgate, West Grey
June 26, 2023
BY SOUTHGREY.CA STAFF — A golden time was had by all who attended the Eugenia Gold Rush festival on Saturday, June 24. Young prospector Logan Pilkey-Joseph struck it rich in the gold-panning sluice. While the nugget he found was only pyrite, it was good enough to exchange for a $30 cash prize and go home a lucky winner on a day that saw hundreds of residents and visitors come out to enjoy the event. Riley Martin of Brantford also scored a nugget at the Gold Panning game and netted a $40 exchange. A candy guessing game was won by Esme, another young visitor to the event.
Grey Highlands Mayor Paul McQueen, Deputy Mayor Dane Nielsen and Councillors Paul Allen and Joel Loughead hammed it up with community organizers Sharon Wickens and Ron Barnett to kick off the afternoon, unveiling the new playground in Eugenia Community Park. Photo: Peter Whitehead
Reverend Christine Smaller blessed the equipment and the fellowship of the day bringing a celebratory message from the local United Church. Photo: Peter Whitehead
The air was hot and humid — a far cry from the rain and thunderstorms predicted earlier in the week. Many residents quenched their thirst with a cold beer at the pavilion and everyone relaxed under tent shelters to listen to the sweet sounds of Richard Henderson and his cool, bluesy steel guitar. Later on, some tested their own talents with Van'd on the Run karaoke.
A bouncy castle and kids' play area kept the little ones happy with their highlight experience being a ride on the trackless train that ran the length of Pellisier Street. Curator Peter Whitehead and South Grey Museum staff were on hand to guide families through the history of the area while they waited to climb on board.
A classic car show filled the park outfield. A 1965 blue Chevrolet pickup shortbox owned by Kingsley Dobson of Eugenia, won the $100 People's Choice award. The popular silent auction presented a wide variety of locally donated items, closing at 7 pm boasting one of the best money-raising efforts of the carnival's 20-year history.
Horseshoe tournament winners were Rickilee McCombe and Garry Coulter of Collingwood.
In the warm summer evening, local band RNR took to the stage and rocked the night with their electric brand of classic rock 'n roll. Hot dogs and a pulled pork dinner, complete with potato salad and coleslaw hit the spot.
Shortly after 11 pm, crowds slowly dispersed and organizers could finally fully appreciate the satisfaction the of another successful event.
At South Grey News, we endeavour to bring you truthful and factual, up-to-date local community news in a quick and easy-to-digest format that’s free of political bias. We believe this service is more important today than ever before, as social media has given rise to misinformation, largely unchecked by big corporations who put profits ahead of their responsibilities.
South Grey News does not have the resources of a big corporation. We are a small, locally owned-and-operated organization. Research, analysis and physical attendance at public meetings and community events requires considerable effort. But contributions from readers and advertisers, however big or small, go a long way to helping us deliver positive, open and honest journalism for this community.
Please consider supporting South Grey News with a donation in lieu of a subscription fee and let us know that our efforts are appreciated. Thank you.
.jpg?updated=1625080483)
