Hub Staff

The Southampton Coliseum will soon hit the milestone age of 40 and on November 4 the public is invited to help celebrate both on and off the ice.

During the Committee of Whole meeting September 25, Hardy Henry, the recently-retired Town employee, enthusiastically explained the event to councillors. It is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. and is being organized by the Coliseum 40th Anniversary party planning group.

Hardy highlighted a Facebook group created for the event that has received over 800 shares, and asked for the public to share and post their memorable photos of times at the Coliseum. “We hope people share memories about their experiences in the Coliseum, playing hockey or skating or curling. Over 40 years there have been a lot of events in the Coliseum and Annex that we can talk about,” said Hardy, who then listed a multitude of events held at the Southampton arena.

Hardy spoke about his favourite memories including a concert by Max Webster and an All Star Wrestling event. “I can remember taking Swing Daddy Seiki and his guitar down to dressing room three and I had Bobo Brazil, I had to take him down to room four. So much has happened in the Grand Old Lady on Albert Street and we would be happy to have some of your memories about the old rink and the colourful characters that have played on our ice here and used the building.”

Hardy then touched on the support of community partners and asked councillors to support the 40th Anniversary with an instalment of $2,500 to alleviate the budget. Hardy outlined the current expenditures the planning community has which included: promotion $300, program/printing $200, family skate refreshments and treats $150, green room food and supplies $500, Saugeen Shores cake $100, art supplies/mural installation $150, Town Hall dance food and supplies $500, Town Hall dance entertainment $500, and $100 for miscellaneous expenses.

Mayor Mike Smith said there are some really great stories to be told about the Southampton Coliseum, and that Hardy could probably write a book. “Too often those little local histories can easily get forgotten because they don't get recorded,” said Mayor Smith adding that he looked forward to the anniversary celebration. “I was there when it first opened, it was a great night, I won’t say anything more than that.” Smith then directed the financial request to staff.

The 40th Anniversary celebration will include a public family skate that begins at 2 p.m., which follows with a Southampton Mariners on-ice reunion. The celebration will then carry-over to the Southampton Town Hall for a dance. Hockey fan and councillor Don Matheson is organizing the Mariners reunion of the Jr-D OHA team that played for six years at the arena. “We want to see how many guys can come out and still play,” said Matheson. “We hope to have a little ceremony after the public skating and before the game.” Matheson added that they're also looking to incorporate seasoned former Winterhawks into the mix.