New sign shines light on events

Unveiling the new sign at Picton fairgrounds was Gord Fox, councillor, Sandy Latchford, President, and Rick Jones, Past President, Rotary Club of Picton, Robert Quaiff, Mayor, Lanny Huff, Owner/President and Jason Sharpe, General Manager, Huff Estates and Jim Dunlop, councillor.

A new electronic sign unveiled at the Picton Fairgrounds Tuesday will inform passersby of local activities.

The previous sign was removed due to damage and deterioration.

“The municipality is grateful for the generous support of Huff Estates and the Rotary Club of Picton. These sponsors were instrumental in moving this project forward,” Mayor Robert Quaiff said. “The sign is a welcome addition, allowing the municipality and community groups to showcase upcoming events at the fairgrounds and promote activities happening around the County.”

Project costs were met through sponsorship agreements with Huff Estates and the Rotary Club of Picton. Huff Estates provided $50,000 for naming rights to the arena, while the Rotary Club of Picton put forth $20,000 for the naming rights to the community hall.

“We feel that sports venues are very key to any community, and this is a great sports venue,” Lanny Huff said. “It’s a great thing to keep the kids in the arena. It’s fantastic.”

The sign at the Picton Fairgrounds is similar to the one erected at the Wellington and District Community Centre, complete with a programmable LED display.

More than 70 activities take place at the fairgrounds each year, everything from food events to youth dances, blood donor clinics and anniversaries.

Rick Jones, Past President of the Rotary Club of Picton, saw the sponsorship as an excellent way to raise awareness of both the service club and events going on in the community.

“We thought it was a great opportunity, especially given the number of visitors who come to the County each year and the vehicles that pass by here on a daily basis,” he said.

The unveiling of the sign comes just in time for the 182nd annual Picton Fair, which opens Friday, Sept. 8 and continues through Sunday.