The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Kelly Carrington Staff Writer The Flin Flon Trout Festival was in trouble this time last year, as it threatened to be shut down if an executive was not formed. At a meeting in January 2010, four people stepped up to the plate to get the festival going for one more year. With only one-year terms, the executive is now empty. Tim Babcock, who stood as festival president last year, says he's willing to let his name stand once again, but will need the help of the community. The Trout Festival annual general meeting, being held next Thursday, Jan. 13, will be looking for three people to step up to fill the executive. Babcock says he's more than willing to let someone else run for the presidential position. "I'm willing to sit as president, but it will go to a vote if someone else has their heart set on it," he says. Babcock, recently elected as a city councillor, says he won't let the Trout Festival fall by the wayside. "I'm not going to walk away," he said. "I'll do it again." With that said, Babcock says he doesn't want to discourage anyone from coming out. See "AGM..."on pg. 5 Continued from pg. 4 Open meeting The AGM is open to all ages. "It would be nice to see some younger people, but again, it's good to have a mix," Babcock said. Along with the goal of forming an executive, the AGM will have members of the community helping to brainstorm ideas. Last year's president says he hopes the meeting will have people not only share their feedback from last year, but also add in ways to improve the festival for years to come. "Most of the feedback from last year was positive," said Babcock. "I know there are things we could have done better," he said, making note of the use of volunteers. "Part of the problem," he said, "was that we didn't know what we needed. Babcock says with one year under his belt now, he hopes to be able to improve on the delegation of volunteers. "I think if we were planning the festival, starting the day after, we'd have a list of holes to fill," he said. "We now have the experience to know what we're asking of people." Babcock said there were events in which organizers had difficulty filling holes, most notably Main Street Days. Now that the executive will be able to examine the festival, he says they will be able to fill those holes a lot easier. Volunteers Babcock says it's not only individuals that are helpful when it comes to volunteering. He says the number of groups that stepped up to help last year was phenomenal. Between the Kinettes, Lions, Rotarians and many more, the groups were able to help with things like dances and breakfasts. "Anytime a group can step it up and take over some of the responsibility, it's a big help," said last year's president. Babcock says any groups willing to take on a challenge would help the Trout Festival to grow. The AGM itself is an information meeting only, and a chance to share ideas. "You're not obligated to sign up for anything," Babcock said. The Trout Festival AGM, to be held next Thursday at the City Hall, will hopefully name a new executive board. The festival will need a treasurer, vice-president and secretary. As well, those interested in the president's position are encouraged to step forward.7/1/11
