The breeze went down and the warmth of the day's sun kept the weather perfect for the pool party held on the Unity Credit Union parking lot the evening of May 30.
In partnership with the Unity Facilities Committee, Unity Credit Union added to the fun, family flavour of the outdoor event with more than a dozen pool-related carnival games. Families came out in droves to watch children jump and giggle with glee as they participated in the many free activities. Each carnival station awarded participants with a candy and tickets to be entered at the prize table for more than 15 prizes - everything from a fishing pond to an obstacle course manoeuvered in flippers. All carnival stations were manned by credit union staff throughout the three-hour event.
The credit union hyped the event beforehand by holding a contest for kids to decorate a paper beach towel with the chance of winning a prize. They also adorned their offices with summer- and pool-related items.
A dunk tank proved to be the most popular station. Well-known residents braved the platform as willing arms purchased balls to hit the target, sending the volunteer into the nice cold water tank. First up, Scott Gilbert did his best to challenge all throwers regardless of age, making sure he was sent splashing more than once; he claimed the cold water was warmer than the wet, shady location of the platform. The lineup for this station never diminished, with funds raised going towards the pool project.
The second most favourite stop was the popcorn/cotton candy/watermelon booth. Unity's recreation director, Nicole Goldsworthy had her hands full with continuous duty popping popcorn, slicing watermelon and dishing out cotton candy. Proceeds all went to the pool project. Other volunteers ran up to give Nicole a hand when they had a spare moment.
The balloon man enticed giant smiles as he worked his magic, transforming balloons into creations of art for the kids. An impromptu stop by a local band, who performed at the far end of the lot, added to the outdoor show.
The cooks were the next busiest workers at the venue. The food lineup started early and did not diminish until nearly 7 p.m. Numbers weren't known yet but guesses stood at over 650 burgers being served and nearly 200 hot dogs.
Long lineups didn't diminish enthusiasm as people revelled in the chance to visit with friends and neighbours, enjoying the warm weather and sharing in the excitement of a community event that brought out large crowds. Mosquitos were not too bad as the asphalt surface mostly deterred the pesky bugs.
During the program portion of the event, UFC chair Brian Woytiuk thanked the committee and all the night's volunteers in addition to thanking everyone in attendance for supporting the event. He announced the first phase of the pool project will begin in a couple of weeks.
Mayor Maljan mentioned she remembers the construction of the existing pool and she is very excited to be part of the new construction process. Floyd Lauinger, councillor of the RM of Grass Lake, made a presentation of $25,000 towards the project. Reeve of the RM of Round Valley, Butch Boskill also made a presentation, giving Woytiuk a cheque for $50,000.
Collette Lewin, credit union board member, stated one of the credit union's strategic intents is to be a "community leader." As an organization they aim to put these words into action in a variety of ways. One of those ways is events such as the one held May 30. Lewin stated, "We are pleased that our $250,000 donation was able to generate a matching grant from the federal government and we hope to inspire other organizations and individuals to contribute to the project."
It was then the name for the pool was announced - Unity Credit Union Aquatic Centre.
Attendees at the pool party kickoff commented on the fun in attending a big, well-attended, family event such as this one. Some said it reminded them of past Western Days events that brought out hundreds to downtown activities.
Organizers were very pleased with the response. There were already rumblings amongst participants of expanding the event if it were to be held again in the future.
