MPP Steve Clark to host Afternoon in the Islands

A Thousand Islands tradition is marking its silver anniversary later this month. Afternoon In the Islands, which has been voted one of Ontario’s top political fundraising events, will mark its 25th anniversary at this year’s event on Saturday, August 20. Leeds-Grenville MPP Steve Clark said he’s excited to be hosting the milestone event this year.

PHOTO CREDIT - Recorder.ca

Brockville - Aug. 5, 2011 - A Thousand Islands tradition is marking its silver anniversary later this month.

Afternoon In the Islands, which has been voted one of Ontario’s top political fundraising events, will mark its 25th anniversary at this year’s event on Saturday, August 20.

Leeds-Grenville MPP Steve Clark said he’s excited to be hosting the milestone event this year, his second time in the role since he won a March 2010 byelection after former MPP Bob Runciman was appointed to Canada’s Senate.

“Even after a quarter-century, the Leeds-Grenville Provincial PC Association’s Afternoon In the Islands remains as popular and successful as ever and it’s a real honour to be the host for this silver celebration,” said Clark.

“Fundraising ideas come and go every year,” noted Clark. “But this anniversary is a testament to the foresight Senator Runciman and his team of organizers had 25 years ago and their hard work to keep it going ever since.”

To help mark the 25-year milestone, there will be draws for special prizes with a silver anniversary theme. Special guests already confirmed for this year include OPP officer Lyndon Slewidge, whose performances of O Canada at Ottawa Senators games have made him one of the most recognized national anthem singers in the NHL.

Clark added his PC Caucus colleagues from Eastern Ontario MPPs Randy Hillier (Lanark-Frontenac-Lennox and Addington), Lisa MacLeod (Nepean-Carleton) and John Yakabuski (Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke) will also be in attendance.

This year’s event comes as the Leeds-Grenville PC Association is gearing up for this fall’s provincial election campaign and the timing is certain to add an extra atmosphere of excitement to the festivities.

Ontarians will vote on Oct. 6 and Clark said he is looking forward to the campaign and the opportunity to talk about his accomplishments since his resounding win in last year’s byelection.

“There’s a great deal of momentum for the PC Party, our leader Tim Hudak and our changebook plan that is going to help put Ontario back on track,” said Clark.

Afternoon In the Islands is being held at the Glen House Resort along the 1000 Islands Parkway on Saturday, August 20 from 3-7 p.m. and features refreshments, live music and a lobster tail and beef dinner.