The Special Events Committee strives to provide all inclusive community events for Old Ottawa South that promote community spirit, fun , entertainment and enjoyment for all.
This year we held 5 events.
In January we held the WINTER CARNIVAL at Windsor Park. This is always a great community event and well attended. We offer sleigh rides( courtesy of Tracy Arnett), BBQ, our annual chili competition and bread competition, Turkey Toss, dog contests as well as games and raffles for the entire family.
In September we had a very special event in our WELCOME BACK TO THE FIREHALL PARTY This was an event for the whole community to come and see our new and improved building. We offered tours, games, raffles for free programs, facepainting, cupcakes and treats (from Life of Pie and Yummy Cookies) and live entertainment by Little John the Clown and the CowGuys. It was a great event and a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of many in lobbying for our new building.
In October we had our annual FALL FEST. Due to some very bad weather we had to hold the event indoors at the last moment. Thank goodness for our new building that was big enough to accommodate this last minute change. We had Goat Bingo, raffles, pumpkins for sale, games for all, a BBQ and our annual Soup, Pie, Preserve and Jam contests. Considering the weather we had a good turnout for this event and those that did attend had a great time celebrating Fall.
In November we brought back our annual SHOP YOUR LOCAL TALENT event ( Xmas craft sale) . With 25 vendors it was a great success and one that we will expand into a Spring Sale as well .
In December we held our second annual CHRISTMAS MOVIES AT THE MAYFAIR. Once again the weather was against us in the form of freezing rain and dangerous road conditions. Aprox. 200 people braved the cold to see The Grinch and Holiday Inn at the Mayfair.
There was also a separate event that was held in November 21CLUB by a group of volunteers that were an offshoot of the special events committee. The event was a 20’s party to celebrate the opening of the Firehall. It was a great event and a description is enclosed by that group.
This year the Special Events Committee did run its events at a loss. This was entirely due to the weather that affected attendance at two of our events. This is not something that was planned for , but OSCA and the committee agree that these events are important to our community and are an integral part of what makes our neighbourhood the vibrant area it is. It is felt that this loss is minor in comparison to the contributions these events make to our community.
I will not be returning to the OSCA board in the next session. I have agreed to continue to head up some of the events ( Fall Fest, and the two craft sales). I look forward to continuing on with helping to make these events grow and flourish for our neighbourhood.
VOLUNTEERS ALWAYS WELCOME