Gearin’ up for hoedown

Gearin’ up for hoedown

Aurora

Sean Pearce

Not even a sudden downpour yesterday could dampen the spirits of those who attended the sneak preview of the 2008 Magna Hoedown.

The event doesn’t take place until Sept. 13, but, even so, the excitement for the 21st annual hoedown is already palpable.

Doug Kirk, of Oshawa-based country radio station KX96, who, along with The Era-Banner, is one of the event’s media sponsors, thanked the assembled crowd for their perseverance, despite all the wet and wild weather.

“You’re all true Canadians for coming out in this,” he said before passing the microphone to some of the dignitaries present.

Aurora Mayor Phyllis Morris said how grateful she was to the Stronachs for their efforts to support local charities, adding she has attended 15 of the 21 Magna Hoedowns over the years and often does so as a volunteer.

“My thanks really do go out to the Stronach family,” she said. “Their generosity really resonates not just here in Aurora, but all over York Region.”

This year, that giving spirit will be directed to three charities, the Aurora Minor Hockey Association, Aurora Youth Soccer Club and the Optimist Club of Aurora.

Newmarket Mayor Tony Van Bynen thanked the Stronachs for selecting the Newmarket Soccer Club, the Newmarket Stingrays Swim Club and Victim Services of York Region among this year’s charitable recipients.

Other speakers followed, including King Mayor Margaret Black, who thanked the Stronachs for selecting the Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust as one of this year’s charities and Stouffville Mayor Wayne Emmerson expressed gratitude for giving the nod to Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Character Community Foundation of York Region and Pathways.

Vaughan Deputy Mayor Joyce Frustaglio couldn’t say how much she was looking forward to attending her first hoedown. She was there to say thanks for supporting Literary Council of York-Simcoe and York Region Hospice.

Georgina Mayor Robert Grossi did double duty, announcing the charitable recipients for Georgina and East Gwillimbury. Mr. Grossi joked his municipality had annexed the town just south of it.  

“Georgina has decided to take over East Gwillimbury,” Mr. Grossi quipped.

“Tony (Van Bynen), if you don’t tell Jamie (Young) we might even sell you a piece.”

All joking aside, Mr. Grossi expressed thanks to the hoedown’s organizers for selecting the East Gwillimbury Skating Club, Rising Star Pony Club and Georgina Cares among this year’s charitable recipients.

For the record, the charities themselves seemed grateful for the help, as well. Program administrator with Georgina Cares, Jennifer Anderson, said she was so pleased her organization was selected.

“It’s just a great opportunity for each of the groups, because it’s such a fantastic event to be associated with,” Ms Anderson said.

“It’s just huge and has built up so much over the years and it’s just a great way to give back to the community and the charities in those communities.”

This year’s entertainment includes performances from country artists such as Aaron Lines, Beverley Mahood, Amber Leigh and Tonya Kennedy and the Prospector’s Raffle offers more than $80,000 in prizes, including a 2009 Cadillac CTS, a home entertainment system and many others. Tasty Texas-style fare will, once again, be served by the BBQ Gourmet.

The 21st Annual Magna Hoedown goes down Sept. 13 at the Magna Corral at 337 Magna Dr. and runs from 5 p.m. until midnight.

Tickets are $65 each and can be bought in Aurora at Ab Cox Pontiac Buick, Oakridge Outfitters or Highland Chevrolet Cadillac and in Newmarket at St. Louis Bar and Grill, Mercedes Benz or the Arts Music Store. Tickets may also be purchased via ticketmaster.ca or through any of the charitable organizations.

For more information, call 1-800-872-5803 or log on to hoedown.ca

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