The event was also an opportunity to show off their new round tables. They had purchased 12 of them last year. Jackson said when they held their karaoke night a year ago, they had rented them, and decided they should have their own. They are classier than the long tables and people really like them. With help from the Elgin Community Fund and generous donations, they were able to buy them without dipping into their own accounts. Jackson said they really appreciated the help.
Not that the tables were enough. They did have to set up a long one at the back because of the great response to the bingo night.
“We had to do that to get everyone in,” she explained. “We didn’t want to cut anyone off. We wanted to keep it open for the community.”
They also held a 50/50 at the event. Jackson said they are not sure how much they made from the event, but should have a better idea by next week.
They do know where the money will go. They are looking at refurbishing the flooring in the hall. The hardwood floors are showing some wear, and Jackson said they do not want them to get too far gone, so they want to do some restoration work. The quote they are looking at for the work is about $9,000, so they do have a ways to go. However, this is better than replacing the flooring in a few years.
There has been ongoing work in the hall. New taps in the washrooms, new chairs, and last year, a new sign. Jackson said they like to keep the building looking good and hold events to show it off.
“We like to say ‘look at all of the improvements we are doing’, and the community wants to contribute to it.”
The hall is run by the Municipality of Grassland and they hold a few events in the building. It is also rented for funerals, family gatherings and church events. Jackson said it serves a great purpose as a place for community members to rent for their use in their own town instead of having to go farther afield. It holds about 200 people and really fits Elgin well.
“A smaller hall is nice in some ways. It’s homey. I like it and so does the rest of the community. We really want it used more.”
The hope is the board can hold another fundraising event before Christmas with some entertainment. It is early in the planning stage, but Jackson feels it is good to hold activities a few months apart.
She is very happy with the support they have seen for their fundraisers. There were people at the music bingo from around the area, including Souris, Hartney and Minto, and it is important for all of the small communities to help each other out. The strong support from Elgin also points to how important the hall is to the town.
“I think a lot of people who are not on the hall board want to support it,” Jackson stated. “We feel we have great community support and the people appreciate what the people on the board do to keep it up.”
by PAUL RAYNER, Recorder staff