WHITEWATER REGION — The inaugural Whitewater Streetstrut was a success last year, and planning for this year’s event is already underway.
A contract should soon be signed with Big Wreck, a Canadian-American alternative rock band well-known in the music industry, to be the headliner for this year’s event, which is being held in Cobden on Saturday, July 14.
Whitewater Region’s community services manager Jordan Durocher told council at its meeting last night that the committee received numerous names of bands to invite for the event, and Big Wreck was the most favourable and fit within the budget.
It’s expected the expenses and revenues will each total $70,000, he said. Entertainment and logistics are each $31,500, advertising is $5,000 and there is a $2,000 for a contingency fund. Revenues include $30,000 in ticket sales, $25,000 in bar revenue and $15,000 from sponsorships and vendors.
The advertising budget has been increased so it can be done in larger markets, Mr. Durocher said.
Chief Administrative Officer Robert Tremblay said last year’s success was the amount of staff time that was used, and that was mainly due to the fact it was a last-minute planned event.
This time, planning has already begun with hopes there will be minimum staff time on the day of the event.
Councillor Charlene Jackson questioned if staff will be paid for their time at the event, receive time-off in lieu or are volunteering.
“If they have to work, we pay them, but it will be time off in lieu,” responded CAO Tremblay.
However, for those in management, its part of their time, he added.
It was also suggested that volunteers and the Cobden Civitan club be approached to help with the event.
“We’ll be working with volunteers,” he said.
Councillor Cathy Regier said since it’s a Whitewater Region event, various organizations throughout the township should be asked to partner, such as the Riverview Social Club in Westmeath, the Beachburg Lions Club and the Foresters Falls Athletic Association.
CAO Trembay said as the team keeps meeting, those organizations can be looked at.
Coun. Jackson said that was a great idea, since the event is to move around the municipality, those groups would be aware of what’s happening when the event is in their area.
