Unity has hit a top placing once again. The community submitted a nomination, including the need for funding for the new swimming pool, for the Richardson Pioneer Rider Nation Community Celebration. The sponsors knew Saskatchewan communities would embrace the chance to bring a Grey Cup festival celebration to their community if chosen as a winner.
Unity will join seven other communities in a Top 8 placing, it was announced Aug. 17, to determine one of three winners for the prize packages offered by Richardson Pioneer.
Voting has now begun and it is up to residents to vote daily by mobile phone, home computer and any other computer they have access to. Already, following the Aug. 17 announcement, residents have been sharing the link on social media sites to encourage friends and family to make their votes count in Unity's favour.
The second and third place winners will get $25,000 for a community wellness project. The top winner will receive $50,000. All Top 3 winners will get a big Grey Cup festival celebration in their community, sponsored by Richardson Pioneer. Following the Riderville excitement, residents are anxious to repeat the excitement in Unity.
"We were hoping for 12 to 14 (communities)," says Craig Fiske, who chairs the volunteer committee looking after the contest. "When we had more than twice that - 29 entries - we were thrilled. It's a testament to how much this event, and the Riders, mean to all of Saskatchewan and also a testament to the great work done by the volunteers who put the contest together."
Fiske says the intent of the contest is to make sure the rest of Saskatchewan has an opportunity to share in the Grey Cup experience. "The big game may be in Regina, but without question this Grey Cup Festival belongs to the entire province," he says.
Everyone is invited to visit the Grey Cup Festival website at www.101greycupfestival.ca and vote for their community of choice. "It's up to the fans to determine who the Top 3, and eventually the grand prize winner, will be," says Fiske. "To be honest, we didn't want the pressure of determining the Top 3."
Unity showed strong by placing second in the Riderville contest held for the 100th anniversary of the Roughriders. The original Riderville committee is poised and ready to take on the task of working towards a number one placing this time around.
Keep your fingers blazing as all votes count towards a big finish for Unity in this exciting competition!
