Dysart recreation co-ordinator Andrea Mueller left and Junction Skatepark committee member Scott Duggan are urging residents to get their tickets to the upcoming Battle of the Bands. Scheduled for Feb. 19 the first time event is a fundraiser for the village's skatepark revamp. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the municipal office or at the door. ANGELICA INGRAM Staff

Inaugural Battle of the Bands coming soon to Haliburton

By Angelica Ingram

Get your guitar drumsticks and singing voice ready.

The first Battle of the Bands is coming to Haliburton in just a few weeks and organizers are looking for you.

Set to take place on Friday Feb. 19 at the A.J. LaRue Community Centre the event is a fundraiser for the Haliburton Junction Skatepark.

With plans to revamp and upgrade the popular park located in the village off Maple Avenue the skatepark committee has been raising funds for months with a goal of reaching approximately $100000. To date they have raised more than $20000 said Dysart recreation co-ordinator Andrea Mueller.

She came up with the idea of hosting a Battle of the Bands and committee members Scott Duggan and Kelsey Clarke jumped on board.

Both Duggan and Clarke are not avid skateboarders but are involved in the initiative because of their interest in youth and wanting to see more recreation opportunities in town.

The battle will involve anyone interested in signing up whether part of a band or a solo performer. There is no age minimum or maximum.

“There are a few rappers signed up” said Duggan.

Performers should have at least one to two songs prepared but more are welcome.

“It’s more of a venue for people to play” he said. “It’s going to be friendly competition.”

There will be prizes for the performers.

The sound will be provided by Mark Tomlinson of the Haliburton Folk Society. The not-for-profit organization donated Tomlinson’s services to the event.

The evening will be hosted by Moose FM’s Brett Walker.

Mueller is hoping to have potential designs for the improved skatepark on display at the event with guests able to weigh in on their preference.

The committee is hoping to start work on the skatepark improvements this spring.
Battle of the Bands starts at 7 p.m. with doors opening at 6:30 p.m.

The event is all ages which is something Mueller is hoping makes it more popular.

“We want people to showcase their talent and here’s a place where you can do that and everyone can attend” said Mueller.

If Battle of the Bands is successful Mueller is hoping to make it an annual event with funds going towards different initiatives every year.

“There isn’t much for youth in our community in the winter especially” she said. “We’re hoping we get a good turnout.”

Tickets are $10. Organizers are hoping to draw around 150 people including performers.

Pizza and pop will be available for purchase at the community centre. There will also be more skate decks available to buy.

Tickets can be purchased at the Dysart municipal office or at the door.

For more information or to sign-up email Duggan at scott.fg.duggan@gmail.com or contact Mueller at 705-457-1740.