The serving line moved quickly as people picked up their meal, either to take home or to sit in the covered patio and enjoy it at the park. Tinkess Photo

BRINSTON – The pig roast hosted by the Matilda Memorial Recreation Committee (MMRC) is an annual event and it is always well attended, typically selling out, not only because it is for a good cause, but also because of the amazing meal you receive for $20.

This year was no exception, but they added in a new attraction, just to keep things interesting. In conjunction with the pig roast, there was also a vintage sled (snow mobile) show. Advertised as a swap meet, it also allowed proud owners to display their favourite machines, regardless of year. For those who enjoy the arrival of the white stuff that is maybe only weeks away, it was the perfect opportunity to remember days gone by and to look forward to the season ahead.

Attendance was good, and people seemed to enjoy the added event, but it didn’t take away at all from the star of the afternoon, the roast pigs!

Erin Fletcher is a member of the MMRC and she was greeting people as they arrived at the gates to Memorial Park on Sunday afternoon. She said that 350 dinners were being sold and they were just about sold out. In addition to the Sled Show, there was also another added feature this year. “Well, we’ve had one of our committee members who has made desserts this year,” said Fletcher. “So, we brought a selection of fancy desserts, cupcakes and squares and all kinds of things, so I think that will make it really special.”

Fletcher said the sled show seemed to be a success as well.  “We had a couple of volunteers who were eager to put on this sled show, and it sounds like they might be interested in doing it again next year,” said Fletcher.

“People from all over came. They brought their vintage sleds, their new sleds, and some people brought swag and that sort of thing.”

Over in the cooking area, MMRC President Chad Dejong and his team were busy preparing the main course. For them, it had been a very long day.

“We showed up here at the park around 2:45,” said Dejong. “We had all 3 pigs on the spit by 3:20 am.”

According to Dejong, things were going very well. “The weather’s been holding out for us, a couple of little sprinkles here and there,” said Dejong. We started in 2016 and now we’re in 2026. 10 years, minus COVID.”

Something to be proud of, but no big surprise if you have come to know anything about the MMRC. Their focus is their community and providing events which are as inexpensive as they can make them. Any profits go back into future events, and the cycle continues.

They still have movie nights planned for the months ahead, and a Halloween event at the park, but the big event will be the annual Memorial Tree Lighting which is usually attended by a special guest in a red suit, often accompanied by his wife.

If you need an example of how to build community spirit, you don’t need to look any further than Brinston. They have it figured out.