Line-dancing, a “mini roping clinic promo” from rising local talent, a costume contest complete with an award for best mullet, and a chance to see community dignitaries behind bars — these are just some of the activities in store for Morden Activity Centre’s ambitious Western Carnival fundraiser.
For Executive Director Wendi Dyck, the event will embrace the organization’s philosophy of encouraging intergenerational programming that brings people from all walks of life under one roof to enjoy each other’s company.
Intergenerational line dancing and more
Dyck said that one of the highlights of the Western Carnival, which takes place on October 18th, is line dancing led by three generations from the Harder family.
“Aiden Harder, his mom, and his grandma will be leading our line dancing,” she said. “[We want to get] the different ages out dancing — so grandparents inviting [their] young adult grandchildren to come out.”
Dyck assures that there will also be options for the non-dancers.
“We do have an area for the people with two left feet,” she said. “In the games room, we're going to have blackjack dealers. We'll [also] have our two snooker tables open and we're hoping to bring in some Texas hold ‘em and cornhole.”
In addition to the dancing, Dyck said that there will also be a mini roping clinic promo and lasso competition with Anthony Bueckert, a local teen roper.
Those who dress the part for the Western Carnival will be eligible for the best dressed and best mullet competition, for which Dyck said there is a prize.
Lock the door (and throw away the key?)
Entry tickets for the Western Carnival will be $20 each.
Dyck said that when it comes to refreshments, burgers and fries will be served by 2 Bro’zz food truck, and there will also be a free water station with chips provided by Co-op.
“If you’re dancing the night away, they’re going to have water bottles there for you to grab,” she said. “We’re thankful for Co-op.”
Another main attraction of the night is what Dyck calls the “mini jail and bail.”
“We're calling on dignitaries to come spend half an hour in the jail and bail, and the idea is that you can either put a dollar in to add a minute or take a minute off their sentence,” she said. “So, if you think that the dignitaries have been doing really well in their job, then you could take a minute off, but if you have some grief, you can put another minute on.”
Dyck added that the light-hearted event is a “nice way to meet with local politicians or community representatives to have a little fun.”
“We've always had great support from our local representatives, so we're very thankful for them and we hope that they're able to come out,” she said.
Ways to get involved
According to Dyck, the Morden Activity Centre could use some help with volunteering for its upcoming fundraiser.
For those who would like to be even more involved, there are also options beyond that.
“As a large organization, we always are calling on volunteers. We have an amazing group of volunteers who are very committed right now,” she said. “The main thing we're looking for is a little bit of help so that our regulars can have a break and know that ... coverage will be easy, so it's a perfect time if you're looking for volunteering where you don't have to commit [to too] much.”
Dyck said that open positions are connected to the organization’s meal plan programming. Meal helper and meal delivery slots are available.
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The Morden Activity Centre provides over 15,000 meals to seniors in the community each year, so a helping hand is always appreciated.
“It’s at a pretty low cost, and there's three meal programs with three different locations in Morden,” said Dyck.
The community can also help the programming at the Morden Activity Centre indirectly by renting the space, which adds revenue that goes back into supporting seniors in the neighbourhood.
An important link to the outside world
Another service the Morden Activity Centre provides in addition to dropping off meals is wellness checks for seniors who are confined to their homes for various reasons.
“For some people, it may be that they're no longer driving, or they might be getting home care, [or] it might just be after surgery,” said Dyck.
“[They may be] unable to come to the centre to get a meal or they are not in one of the buildings that offers a meal program. Especially in winter, we notice that a lot of people don't want to risk the icy sidewalks.”
Meal programs and wellness checks are just two of the vital services that the Morden Activity Centre provides to seniors. Dyck said the holistic Services for Seniors Department helps “with most things,” including medical equipment loan services.
“If we can't help, we try to find someone who can,” she said.
A meeting place for the community’s foundation
For Dyck, working with seniors, whom she considers the “foundation of our community and the foundation of the centre,” is an enriching process, no matter which programming one is a part of.
“What I really love about my position is that I get to help people and we get to come up with new ways of helping,” she said.
“I really enjoy all the relationships, and because there are a lot of retired professionals, I'm really honoured by how many mentors I have in my life teaching me things. I'm never alone if ... I can't make a decision or I'm unsure about something. There's always someone I can lean on.”
For more information about the Western Carnival Fundraiser, volunteering, or renting the Morden Activity Centre for an event, click here.
With files from Jayme Giesbrecht