INNISFAIL – Forty years is a milestone to celebrate.
That’s exactly what the Kinette Club of Innisfail did when it held its 40th annual Dinner of Diamonds at the Innisfail Royal Canadian Legion on Oct. 20.
“It’s turned out wonderfully. We’re so happy with how it all came together,” said Tammy Noete, club president, who noted this year’s theme for the event. “It’s our Red and White Gala, to go with our Kin and Kinette colours, which are red and white.”
The evening also included a dinner, door prizes, raffle draws, diamond ring giveaways and dancing. Vinnie Taylor from Red Deer’s 95.5 Real Country was the master of ceremonies for the evening, with Steering the Wheel as the guest band.
To mark the special milestone, the Kinettes welcomed a special guest, via video.
Hockey Night in Canada host Ron MacLean was just a young man and 18 years old when he gave his first public speech as master of ceremonies at the Dinner of Diamonds in Innisfail 40 years ago.
In the video, he congratulated the service club on its special milestone and shared some memories of his first public event.
“I will never forget driving over Antler Ridge into Innisfail, actually convincing myself that it was going to go well,” said MacLean. “That they would not expect much from a teenager and that the crowd being women, was more apt to be kind."
He shared some details of the night in an interview with the Province.
“It was a drawn-out lottery and that required ad libbing so it was a great test, and as I’d believed, the women were gracious and fun,” he added. “The Highwayman Inn was new and to a boy who had only the Capri (hotel) and North Hill Inn Red Deer as a frame of comparison, the Highwayman seemed glitzy."
“I don't recall things that I said but I do remember sensing this event, my first-ever public speaking event, was setting me on the path of my life," said MacLean. “I never fail to glance at that building (in Innisfail), even the room with its windows facing Highway 2 and I always say a silent thank you as I drive past."
Noete was thrilled to have MacLean as their guest of honour.
“It was so nice that he recognized us as a group, as his first public event and as our master of ceremonies for us 40 years ago,” she said. “It’s great that he remembered our little community club and what he did (here).
“It’s a big milestone for our club to celebrate,” said Noete. “We’re so amazed that we can still be around, supporting the community in different ways, after 40 years.”
