Rec and Leisure Showcase helping community members, local organizations connect 

Angela Anderson - Staff Writer

The Sioux Lookout community came alive on a vibrant Tuesday evening (Sept. 5) as the Recreation and Leisure Showcase, hosted by the Municipality of Sioux Lookout, took center stage. 
The event, which drew residents old and new, showcased a diverse range of organizations offering activities for the upcoming year.
Major Ted Mitchell of 270 Royal Canadian Air Cadets in Sioux Lookout, shared his enthusiasm for the event, stating, “We are just here at the registration night and thought it was a great night to be back in the community and to see so many people out and signing up for activities. It is really important to sign up and become involved in the community.”
Sioux Lookout Minor Hockey Association (SLMHA) event organizer Kelly Beattie witnessed an overwhelming response. Beattie remarked, “So many people registering that are old and new,” and went on to share, “Everyone has had oodles of questions.” SLMHA has already garnered 146 registrations for the upcoming year, setting the stage for an exciting hockey season.
Athena Cospito, the event organizer for the Sioux Lookout Gymnastics Club, shared her excitement, saying, “We have already had a multitude of registrations so far this evening.” Cospito noted that the event provided a fantastic opportunity for newcomers to ask questions and added, “We’re super excited about the number of first-timers this year.”
Anita Bruins-Burke, Secretary of the Northern Lights Community Theatre, highlighted the community’s eagerness to volunteer in various capacities, including acting, lighting, props, and much more. Bruins-Burke gleefully stated, “There has been a great deal of people so far interested in volunteering for all different parts,” and concluded, “It has been a very exciting night.”
Laura Saudino, a representative from the Sioux Lookout Girl Guides of Canada, expressed her enthusiasm for the event, “This event really helps to promote girl guides here in Sioux lookout. We had approximately 50 people come and ask questions about registering their daughters, we also had a few people asking about volunteering. We need volunteers to keep this wonderful program running. We’ve been doing this event for many years now, it’s always a great turn out!” Saudino concluded, “We went online during COVID and have been back in person the last couple years.”
The event featured 10 booths, each representing a unique facet of Sioux Lookout’s recreational and leisure scene. From gymnastics to minor hockey, from theater to karate, and from dance to scouting, the Sioux Lookout community had a plethora of opportunities to explore.
Micah Hesman, Municipal Program Coordinator, reflected on the evening, stating, “The event went well, and it was a great opportunity to see many adults and families discover opportunities for how they can get involved with new activities in the community this fall.” Hesman added, “We look forward to continuing this event next year and beyond.”