HERITAGE PARK SHINDIG A PERFECT FAREWELL TO THE SUMMERTIME

A glorious late summer’s eve was the perfect backdrop for the 31st annual Shindig fundraiser in support of Heritage Park. More than 400 guests donned their finest western wear for a fun fete Sept. 21 featuring great food, flowing libations, entertainment and western hospitality.

This was Heritage Park president and CEO Alida Visbach’s final Shindig before her retirement at the end of the year, so it was only fitting she was plucked out of the crowd by a villainous gunfighter, charged with horse theft and nearly hanged. Visbach also received a well-deserved, heartfelt standing ovation by all in attendance during the dinner.

Heritage Park executive chef Leighton Smyth and his team pulled out all the stops and created a fabulous meal featuring a white cheddar and roasted corn bisque with a duck confit fritter, Big Rock Traditional Ale-braised CAB Chuck flat and a double chocolate mousse bombe with bourbon-brined cherries and Chantilly cream.

Before dinner and in between courses, guests bid on a number of silent and live auction items, including a week in the Gulf Islands on a luxury yacht, a private party for 50 at Heritage Park’s midway, a trip to B.C. to the Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary and a private ghost tour and dinner at Heritage Park. New this year was a cash appeal auction for Heritage Park’s education programs, which serve more than 65,000 schoolchildren each year. This new initiative raised over $25,000 for future programming. In total, more than $150,000 was raised, ensuring Heritage Park will keep history alive for generations to come.

Such success would not be possible were it not for the support of event sponsors Barry Wilde of Highwood Distillers; Dave Lougheed of Raymond James Ltd.; Alec Mcdougall of ECCO Recycling and Energy Corporation; Terry Gale of Standard General Inc.; and Dan Hays and his wife Kathy Hays. Others in attendance included: Paul Corbett, proud husband to Visbach; Heritage Park Society board chair Dave Rodych and his wife Debbie; philanthropists Bob Brawn and his wife Carole; Bill, Karen and Gary Jennings; Westjet’s Colleen Tynan; John and Reilly Nash; Stampede board member Wendy Tynan; Iron

Back Auctions’ Blaine Friesen; National Motor Coach’s Steve Barovsky and Denis Tremblay; and others pictured.

With files from Heritage Park

PHOTOS: HERITAGE PARK Attending the 31st annual Shindig fundraiser in support of Heritage Park are Paul Corbett, left, and wife Alida Visbach, Heritage Park president and CEO, and Debbie and Dave Rodych, Heritage Park Society board chair. This was Visbach’s last Shindig as she is retiring from Heritage Park at the end of the year.

Longtime park supporters Bill Jennings, left, Karen Jennings, Pat and Terry Gale, president of Standard General Inc., and Gary Jennings, Richmond Hill Wines owner.

Iron Black Auctions’ Blane Friesen, left, National Motor Coach’s Steve Barovsky, Raymond James’ Dave Lougheed and National Motor Coach’s Denis Tremblay.

Westjet’s Colleen Tynan, left, Reilly Nash, Nutrien’s John Nash and Stampede board member Wendy Tynan.

Carole Brawn, left, Laurene Mitchell, donor relations co-ordinator at Heritage Park, and Bob Brawn.

Brawn Family Foundation’s Jennifer Whyte, left, and Stephanie Zimmel.

Heritage Park’s new director of fund development Sarah Hughes and her husband Shayne Mcclellan.