NEWS RELEASE          For release May 19, 2008

Sneak peek at Southampton's giant
150th birthday party this summer

Southampton, Ont., May 19, 2008 -- Saugeen Shores town council got a sneak peek at plans for this summer's 150th anniversary at a recent presentation by committee member Dunc McCallum.

Southampton's 150th Anniversary Committee plans one gigantic party this summer, and it keeps growing. As more and more sponsors and participating groups step forth, new events get added to the program every week.

Just a few examples: the Optimists have jumped in to run a beach volleyball tournament during the Aug. 14-17 official anniversary weekend. Performing Artists of Saugeen Shores will be front and centre at many events as the "Heritage Players", dressed in period costume. Martin's Bicycle Shop is sponsoring Motocross, a BMX dirt-bike demonstration.

There will be not one but two golf tournaments this summer, hosted by Chippewa Golf and Country Club and the Southampton Residents Association.

And thanks to the efforts of the wonderful volunteers at Marine Heritage, Southampton will be treated to a visit on July 19 and 20 of the tall ships Pathfinder and Playfair.

The Shoreline Beacon is supporting the festivities with weekly historical columns and special inserts. Southampton merchants are planning to bring back Fayre on High (that's High Street) during anniversary weekend ... and the list goes on and on.

Also on High St., there'll be wall-to-wall music for all ages, from the Flag up to Fairy Lake throughout the weekend, plus two Saturday night dances: the 150th Anniversary Dance and the Big Band dance. And don't miss the Saturday parade: six marching bands, floats, walking groups, old fire trucks, classic cars and more.

And talk about food -- you won't go hungry, with community breakfasts, perch sandwich lunch, hot dogs, hamburgers and a beef bash BBQ dinner.

Hook up with friends old and new at the Gathering Place around the Flag or at the G.C. Huston school reunion at the Annex.

You'll want to buy a bottle, or a case, of our red and white VQA wines from Pelee Island Winery. They have specially-designed 150th Anniversary labels -- get them at the LCBO and in restaurants. And Chantry Trading In Southampton is offering a complete line of 150th T-shirts, ball caps, golf shirts and sweatshirts.

We also want to recognize the day in 1858 when Southampton was declared a village. The public is invited to take part on July 25 -- Incorporation Day -- when we'll re-create the first council meeting, with participation of the current council and presentation of a plaque marking the event.

You've probably read of the $94,800 federal grant for 150th anniversary celebrations, from Heritage Canada and its "Building Communities through Arts and Heritage" program. Note that it's money with conditions. It must be spent on local artists, musicians, performers and historical costuming, etc., and not for infrastructure such as fencing, stage construction, security, toilet facilities and the like. That's why we need sponsors.

Indeed, more and more sponsors are coming aboard -- you can keep track at the sponsor page, www.familyhelper.net/150/sponsors.html. The 150th Committee especially acknowledges the Town of Saugeen Shores as a Patron Sponsor, and the extra-special support it gets from the town staff.

Artists wanted

The federal grant will let us showcase all the great talent in our community, from professional bands to garage bands, from singers to dancers, from accomplished artists to raw amateurs. In fact the 150th Anniversary is looking for local performers of all kinds. Show your talent at the Heritage Tent, Town Hall, Fairy Lake or on High Street. Just call Brenda Barringer at the 150th office, 797-2215, bb150@bmts.com.

Volunteers wanted

One critical need is for volunteers. You can help out at the 150th anniversary celebrations. Volunteer for an hour, an evening, a day ... at the Heritage Tent, Stages, BBQs, Parade or Beach Fun (this qualifies for high school community service hours). Call Brenda at 797-2215, bb150@bmts.com.

Costumes wanted

Brenda is also the one to call if you have costumes from previous anniversaries to share with others. Don't forget to get dressed up yourself!

Many people are helping out to present a truly diverse recognition of local artists, history and tradition. It will be an exciting summer, fully in keeping with Southampton's rich tradition of celebrating its long history on significant anniversary dates.

Everyone is invited to meet us at the Flag to celebrate our 150th Anniversary and share in the love for Southampton and its history.

Do visit our web site, www.saugeenshores.ca/southampton150, to find out the latest happenings.