COBDEN — Whitewater Region is preparing for a street dance celebration to celebrate Canada 150.
The proposed name is Whitewater Streetstrut.
Marsha Hawthorne, Acting/Deputy-Chief Administrative Officer, said she met with Reeve Terry Millar and Councillor Chris Olmstead to discuss a celebration and the idea of revitalizing the once-popular street dance was the final idea.
The group is applying for a Celebrate Ontario 2017 grant, since the application deadline is Nov. 9, she said at last night’s recreation and culture committee meeting.
The idea is to bring together every age group within the municipality to one area, she said.
“We want to bring together children, youth, different cultures, events, local artists, a whole lot of different things in one area,” she said. “Let’s promote what Whitewater has to offer.”
The idea is to shut down Main Street in Cobden from 10 a.m. until 1 a.m., she said.
Reeve Millar said the final street dance for Cobden was held back in the mid-1980s. It was stopped because truckers complained they found it difficult to maneuver around Cobden, so the county put an end to the yearly event.
However, he has spoken to Steve Boland at the county and if the council will write a letter of support for the street dance, he will support it and bring the idea to county council to be passed.
Reeve Millar said he would like to see this event be held annually, but in different areas of the township – Beachburg, Westmeath, Haley Station, etc.
“I’d like to make this a whole day and get the family involved, everyone from the very young to the seniors,” he said.
Councillor Charlene Jackson said by moving the event around, everyone within the municipality will feel invited and involved.
As for paying for the event, it’s hoped there will be grant money provided, said A/D-CAO Hawthorne. However, it’s also going to be in the budget for 2017 and with proposed revenues from the event, such as vendor fees, it will break even or even come out ahead for seed money for the following year’s event.
Reever Millar said the goal is that it will be a break-even event.
