Huron-Kinloss approves $25,000 loan to Lucknow Reunion 2018 committee

Huron-Kinloss council has approved a $25,000 loan to the Lucknow Reunion 2018 committee.

Co-chairmen Luke Smith and Glen Gibson attended the committee-of-the-whole meeting Monday morning (Feb. 6), to make the request, and present the event's budget. The reunion is slated for June 29 to July 1, 2018.

The loan will be used as seed money to cover pre-reunion expenses.

"Thanks for stepping up to run it," said councillor Jim Hanna.

"It's our pleasure," said Smith.

The reunion committee is proposing a budget of $163,232, including $3,000 for decorations, $58,000 for souvenirs, $9,210 for the parade, $8,000 for food, $7,000 for advertising, $1,722 for invitations, $1,000 for the school reunion, $500 for sponsors, $20,000 for entertainment, $22,800 for grounds, $21,000 for the bar and security, and $1,000 for office supplies and fees.

When asked about the grounds costs, Smith said that covers fencing, generators, lighting, portable toilets, etc.

As for entertainment, Smith said that Margie MacPherson is in charge of that, and she is looking to hire local bands.

"Good luck with it," said deputy mayor Wilfred Gamble.

Council approved the motion for the $25,000 loan to the reunion committee.

The slogan for the reunion is "Be Seen in 2018," and Robin McDonagh of Lucknow had her design chosen for the reunion logo. Kaytlyn DeBruyn has recreated the logo based on McDonagh's hand-drawn design. DeBruyn has incorporated the reunion colours red, grey and white into the design as well as the same font used for the Lucknow branding.

Robin McDonagh (centre) of Lucknow had her design chosen for the Lucknow Reunion 2018 logo; with her, are reunion co-chairmen, Glen Gibson (left) and Luke Smith; photo courtesy of the Lucknow Reunion 2018 committee