OUTLOOK - Aces were high and so were the expectations of those who walked through the doors of the newly-renovated Civic Centre in Outlook on Saturday evening, April 9.
The first event held in the building since the extensive remodeling, the casino night known as 'A Night in Monte Carlo' brought people out in droves who were looking for a good time, a few drinks, and to try their luck at any number of games.
In exchange for their tickets, patrons were welcomed at the door by Kaitlyn Gifford and Cara Drury of the Outlook & District Regional Park, who gave people $2,500 in "irrigation cash" to be used for gaming. Representatives of the Outlook Riverbank Rodeo manned the bar, with proceeds to go towards the event that takes place this coming August.
Blue Chip Casino Rentals out of Regina provided the games and tables, and representatives helped dealers at each table perfect their skills as Outlook business leaders, local firemen, as well as members of town council served in these roles, making the event feel all the more community-minded.
Before the cards were dealt and the drinks started flowing, a special ribbon cutting ceremony was held to mark the grand reopening of the Civic Centre, with Susan Pyette cutting the ribbon and joined by current town councillors Justin Turton, Sharon Bruce, Ryan Husband and Kevin Grotheim, as well as former councillors Donna Smith, Floyd Childerhose and Maureen Applin.
"We're really excited about this new facility and we hope that everyone feels the same," said Turton. "We're pleased and privileged with the foresight that the previous council had to look for grants and apply for them and start the process of revamping the Civic Centre. It's exciting to see Phase 1 complete, and we're looking forward to Phases 2-4. We're hoping for air conditioning in the building, a redo of the kitchen, and also a redo of the building's exterior. We've got members of former and current council here, and we've got a town employee who was recognized at SUMA this year for 20 years of service with the Town of Outlook, so I'll ask Susan Pyette to do the ribbon cutting!"
With the success of Casino Night, as well as the Community Open House that was held this past Tuesday, it seems the new Civic Centre is already off and running as far as groups and organizations are concerned, with events being hosted that hopefully produce lasting memories for those who call Outlook and area home for generations to come.
