A new landmark has been installed at the Huron County Playhouse. Just in time for the Playhouses 50th anniversary, the Rotary Club of Grand Bend was on a top-secret mission to procure and install the Windmill after Alex Mustakas, Artistic Director and CEO of Drayton Entertainment, gave a presentation about the Playhouses roll in the community. The windmill represents the Playhouses rural roots and symbolizes innovation and progress. Pre-Covid, the Huron County Playhouse brought an estimated economic impact of $17.1 Million annual to the area.
“For several years, we have been searching for the perfect roadside marker to welcome everyone to the theatre,” says Alex Mustakas, Artistic Director & CEO of Drayton Entertainment. “The windmill speaks to our rural roots, yet it also symbolizes innovation and progress, which is what we strive to do as a charitable arts organization. It is a fitting welcoming point for current and future generations of theatregoers.”
“Huron Country Playhouse is one of Canada’s largest and most successful summer theatres. It is successful by every measure – quality of productions, audience satisfaction, and financial stability,” says Tom McCann, President of the Rotary Club of Grand Bend. “It has become an economic hub, source of social engagement, and attraction of national acclaim for Huron County, and we felt this vital asset in our community should be recognized and celebrated.”
The mission of The Rotary Foundation is to enable Rotary members to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty. For many years, the organization has held its signature fundraising event – Autumn Indulgence – on the theatre grounds. Event proceeds are allocated to community projects, youth and international endeavours. Through this initiative, the Rotary Club of Grand Bend has donated over $1 million to its local and international projects.
written by: R. Ross