By Kathie Hogan.
Lorne Byers and Lea Davis, local business owners in Powassan of Appliteck Inc. have a passion and a love of horses, cowboys, and rodeos.
This passion translated into the Smoke N Spurs event five years ago, and grew from very modest beginnings to thousands and thousands of visitors from across the province this past Labour Day Weekend. Smoke N Spurs is a popular volunteer-driven family festival, celebrating cowboys and country music and outdoor fun.
Lorne and Lea were on hand Friday to present cheques to various local groups.
- The Legion was given $500 for its Poppy Fund (Mayor Peter McIsaac received the cheque as a Legion member),
- The Lions Club was given $1,000 (received by Lions Club member Dennis Young),
- The Rec Committee was given $1,500 for the pool and ball diamond (received by Mike Heasman, Recreation Manager),
- Eides Residence was given $500 (received by Steve and Andrea Eide),
- Powassan and District Food Bank was given $500 (received by Sally McCharles and Diane Thomson) and
- 250 Clark was given $500. for their Saturday Afternoon Movie program (received by Mayor Peter McIsaac and Deputy Mayor Ted Weiler).
"The town is very grateful for the efforts of Lorne and Lea," said Mayor Peter McIsaac, "and of the dozens of volunteers that make Smoke N Spurs happen every year. It's a family celebration that has a tremendous impact for our municipality."
Lorne and Lea have given back to the community is a big way. They also organize the Parade of Lights happening on Saturday December 2nd at 6 p.m. this year.
Smoke N Spurs plans are already underway for 2018.