Hot Steamy Night in Piccadilly at Arena Gala

Jeff Green | Aug 10, 2016

All the net proceeds from the dinner and dance on August 6 at the Frontenac Arena, the first of many events in this 40th anniversary year of the arena, will be added to a $20,000 campaign for arena upgrades.

One of the main upgrades is heated seats in the stands so spectators don't have to freeze while watching games.

However, there was little need for heaters on Saturday night, as the arena acts like a giant heat trap in the summer and air conditioning was probably more on people's minds than heating when over 150 people gathered to eat and drink, reminisce about the history of the arena and dance the night away.

The evening was kicked off by a set of “Oyes” by Central Frontenac Town Crier Paddy O'Connor, followed by greetings from Frances Smith and Ron Vandewal, the mayors of Central and South Frontenac respectively. The arena was originally built by the former Portland, Bedford, Hinchinbrooke and Oso townships, and since 1998 it has been managed through an amicable partnership between Central and South Frontenac.

Phil Leonard, long-time reeve of Portland Township and three-term mayor of South Frontenac, emceed the evening. He provided his own memories of the arena, and introduced Marcel Giroux, who was on the founding committee of the arena, and arena board president, Brent Cameron. Presentations were made to Jim Stinson and Joy Nox for their outstanding, long -time service to the arena.

A blessing was given by Rev. Mac Steinburg, who also brought a short message from Trevor Steinburg. Trevor played his first hockey at the arena before playing his way into the NHL. He is now the coach of the St. Mary's Huskies.

As the dinner, catered by Linda Bates, was being served, many took the opportunity to check out a large table that was filled with memorabilia from the past; to purchase the arena memory book that was put together by the 40th anniversary committee, and to start off the bidding on the silent auction items.

After dinner, things got steamier yet as Texas Tuxedo got most everyone on the dance floor. The silent auction was also a success, with some items drawing bids of over $100, including a framed Mike Smith sweater, which went for over $400.

Event organizer Pam Morey said that it was a pleasure to work with the 40th anniversary committee to put on the gala.

“The best part of it all was that everyone who attended seemed to have a lot of fun. There is a lot of enthusiasm for the 40th anniversary which will carry through to other events this year, I'm sure,” she said.

There are copies of the memory book available at the low price of $10. For information, call the arena at 613-374-2177.