Rilla Race
Chapple Heritage Committee
Dear sir:
Two weeks ago, Chapple Heritage and Chapple Recreation held a 100-year commemorative picnic at the waterfront park in Barwick.
One of the press questions asked of me was, “Was there anyone there that was important or that was not expected.”
My answer at the time was “unexpected–yes, important–absolutely; everyone that participated was important.”
I would like to expand on this answer so that those “important people” will know how much they are appreciated.
They did not become involved for photo opportunities or to see their name in print. They came to be part of our event; to help our small community in its effort to sustain heritage and recreation in Chapple.
They are our neighbours, family, and friends.
First, our sponsors: Barwick Service, Tompkins Hardware, Rainy River District Milk Committee, and the Township of Chapple. Your generosity was instrumental in helping us successfully organize this day.
Thank you so much.
Second, our volunteers. Someone once said, “Those who can, do; those who can do more, volunteer.”
Our community took that to heart for this event. In addition to the 15 combined members of heritage and recreation, about 40 other people stepped forward to help out with this day.
They included members of “Country Jam,” the Barwick Blue Knights, township employees and council, the Emo Fair queen candidates, and a large group of individuals who dropped by to be a part of the picnic and to lend a hand.
Thank you to all of those dedicated people who volunteered preparing the grounds, setting up and decorating the hall, organizing, preparing, and serving dinner, co-ordinators of games, supply shoppers, and those who brought their vintage cars for display and rides.
Thank you to those who set up displays in the hall, played music in the park, and, at the end of a long day, helped with take-down and clean-up of the picnic venue.
Third, those who attended. The original host of the 1915 picnic, Thomas Weston, probably could not have imagined that 100 years later, fourth and sixth generation members of his family would come to Barwick to attend this commemorative event.
They were joined in the park by 150+ people from the district and beyond for an afternoon of music and fun.
Thank you to those who came and so enthusiastically participated in the games for all ages, visited with friends and neighbors, and listened and danced to the music of “Country Jam.”
Thank you to the 100+ who stayed and joined us for our picnic dinner.
Whatever your part was in this celebration, we greatly appreciate you sharing in our day. You are the important people.
(Signed),
Rilla Race,
Chapple
Heritage
Committee,
Barwick, Ont.
