Richmond’s Pavilion will Be a Legacy Left Behind for Future Generations
It was an unseasonably cold and blustery day, but it was no match for the feeling of warmth and community as the ribbon was cut and the Richmond Legacy Pavilion was officially opened.
The pavilion was the result of years of hard work by the Richmond Legacy Pavilion Committee, who were previously the Richmond 200th Anniversary Committee that organized the celebrations for the 200th anniversary of the village in 2018.
While the 200th committee transitioned to the pavilion project, there were obstacles they encountered. COVID-19 not only shut everything down, but it triggered a shortage of materials in the construction industry. It also brought with it levels of inflation not seen in generations.
Pavilion co-chairs Cydney Green and Maryan Wammes took on the pavilion project, and both worked tirelessly alongside their team of volunteers for six years to make the vision of the pavilion a reality. They also got a lot of support in the way of donations from the business community and from individuals.
Both fought back tears as they thanked their families for their patience and support, and each other for their hard work and deepened friendship through the project.
“In my view, Cydney and Maryan treated instances like these just as speed bumps,” said Keith Eddy, the emcee of the event. “They just continued to nurture the project, and the people around them.”
Cydney Green thanked the community for their tremendous support.
“The Legacy Pavilion would have never happened if it wasn’t for the financial and in-kind support of the many businesses, the community services and the people that are here – the residents of Richmond,” Green said.
Green also thanked “the many volunteers who have spent countless hours assisting us when needed over the past six years.”
She referenced the more than 15 events held as fundraisers by the committee, including barn dances, yard sales, New Year’s Eve galas, and the “hugely successful travelling outhouse caper of Richmond. “And we aren’t done yet!” she said.
The management of the pavilion is now in the hands of the Richmond Agricultural Society.
“We ask that you embrace the facility with pride and enthusiasm, whether it is to reflect on the quiet space to reflect on the many plaques on display around the interior, or attend the upcoming concerts in the pavilion, perhaps a place for a wedding or a retirement party, and we hope seasonal farmers markets and art shows,” Green said.
Maryan Wammes also thanked the community, the Richmond Agricultural Society, committee members and volunteers involved in the product.
“Family, old friends, local businesses, and acquaintances have been rock stars every step of the way,” said Wammes. “We are leaving behind a legacy that will long serve to inspire our successors to make Richmond a better place, from us to you.”
Project manager Joe Milroy was also thanked for his tireless work on the pavilion. He designed the building and oversaw the construction, being at the site daily since the sod turning a year ago.
Following the ribbon cutting, local musicians Doug and Pam Champagne performed, providing the pavilion with its first taste of live entertainment.
