It is estimated that 750 people attended the fourth annual Smoke on the Water event at Duck Mountain Provincial Park on August 4.
Although tallies were still being made last week, Rob Ritchie of Kamsack, a prime organizer said that it is expected about $20,000 will have been raised for the proposed new KamKids Daycare facility, while about another $5,000 will be donated to the Park.
While the three previous Smoke on the Water events raised funds for the Assiniboine Valley Health Centre in Kamsack, this time the proceeds are to go towards a new facility for the daycare and to the Park to help it restore its recreation hall.
“This was the best one so far,” Ritchie said last week, adding that it was “very much more a family event.”
He estimated that 500 meals were served.
As a fundraiser, money was generated through the sale of the meal and beverages as well as from sponsors.
Having the large bouncy castles at the site on Fern Campground, or the old baseball diamond, helped parents a lot, he said.
“Everyone seemed to have had a great time,” he said. No major problems were experienced.
The featured entertainer, Ryan Keown, 2016 winner of the Manitoba Country Music Association’s awards for best male artist and fans’ choice, said it was a good event and he would be pleased to return.
The weather was great, he said. Although there was a sprinkling of rain around 3 p.m., after that cleared it was a beautiful warm evening.
During the event, Ritchie acknowledged the sponsorship of local businesses that drive the event and thanked all the volunteers who committed their time and effort to keep it going.
“I am a firm believer in ‘build it and they will come,’ and am pleased to welcome everyone who came out to support this fundraiser,” he said. “Also we acknowledge Greg Podovinnikoff and crew of the Ministry of Parks for allowing us to hold this sanctioned event in the park.”
Former Kamsack Mayor Rod Gardner, who had been instrumental in the organization of the three previous events, commented that this function was very well organized and said he really enjoyed attending.
The menu for the supper, provided by Jared Ruf of In Good Taste of Togo, included smoked chicken shishliki and award-winning smoked barbecue pork ribs with five side dishes and a dessert bar.
Rides were available for those who might be in need. Jeff Waselynchuk of Kamsack was the volunteer driving the van which was donated by Three-Way Rentals of Roblin, while Reg Brewer of Kamsack was the driver of the Kamsack Handi-Bus which made trips back and forth to Kamsack.
Security was provided by SecureForce of Regina, marking the third time the company has done the job.
