Photo Karen Graham.
Fall arrived in time for a festive Harvest Dinner event in downtown Millbrook on Saturday evening. Featuring local entertainment, food and drink, the event drew more than 200 diners who came to this unique community celebration provided by township staff in support of the new community centre.
Last Saturday evening, Municipal staff organized and executed a celebration of things local with a spotlight on food, and in the process raising funds for the new Community Centre.
The evening began early with a cocktail hour where guests chose between local beer from Publican House and Smithhavens’ breweries, wine from Rolling Grape or cocktails from Black’s Distillery. Lively musical entertainment provided by the Windy Ridge band featuring our Chief Municipal Building Official Kyle Phillips kicked up the festive mood. At six o’clock, more than 200 guests were asked to choose their seat at one of the harvest tables lined up along the centre of King Street for dinner.
The menu featured local products from suppliers including Circle Organics, Traynor Farms and Otonabee Meat Packers, and included four salads, roasted chicken and beef brisket prepared by local caterer Tres Hombres chefs Michael Sterpin and Brad Watt who are known for creating unique and fun dining experiences.
The meal was served family style by township staff and Millbrook Councillor Ryan Huntley.
Photo Karen Graham.
Director of Public Works Wayne Hancock joined other township staff serving diners at the event.
As the evening progressed, patrons appreciated the decorative strings of lights overhead and the gas heaters strategically positioned along the road. Fall weather had patrons bring out the sweaters and toques to be sure they were warm enough to stay seated until they were finished dessert.
Event supporters included local residents, business owners and local dignitaries including M.P. Jamie Schmale and M.P.P. Laurie Scott, as well as Towerhill project developers Dr. Cortellucci and Mr. Montemarano of the Cortel and Bromont groups. The evening also provided a remarkable introduction to the community for newcomers David and Thushara McAlman, who are the first new residents to have moved into one of the new homes in the Towerhill development.
Bringing a little business to the event was Cavan Monaghan Community Centre Project co-chair Matthew Graham who was on hand with a display outlining the features of the new facility and to explain the next steps for the fundraising committee. They have recently finalized corporate sponsorship documentation which will be used to secure corporate support for specific areas in the new community centre including the banquet hall, fitness studio, indoor track as well as the ice pad and the ice resurfacing machine.
Graham and Co-Chair Kelly Hines expressed their appreciation for the event, saying “We have to thank everyone on Council for a fantastic event, not just on behalf the fundraising committee, but the entire community.” KG
Photo Karen Graham. David and Thushara McAlman received a warm welcome at Saturday’s Harvest Table Dinner. The first residents to move into the new development, they bring two sons ages 8 and 10 with them from their former home in Whitby. They are thrilled to be here, and after this dramatic initiation to the community, they can hardly wait to see what happens at Christmas!
