Woodward’s may be long gone, but its legend lives on.
The Vancouver Giants invited Woodward’s alumni back to celebrate the history and legend of Woodward’s, which held $1.49 Day on the first Tuesday of the month. Among those in attendance was New Westminster’s own Tony Antonias, the man who created the famous $1.49 Day jingle.
“They played it over and over,” Antonias said of the Feb. 4 game. “They played the full version that was played for several years in the beginning.”
The night also featured shorter versions later created as part of the sale that was advertised on CKNW, where Antonias was the radio station’s creative director.
Woodward’s employees enjoyed a night out at the Coliseum, where the Vancouver Giants played the Red Deer Rebels. The evening’s festivities also featured deals at the concession (costing $1.49, of course), a ceremonial puck drop, and a contest to see who could most closely whistle the famous $1.49 Day radio jingle.
“I was the judge. They had five contestants to see who could do the most accurate whistle,” Antonias said. “One gal did a good job; one guy, he was pitch-perfect. He won the contest.”
Audience members also had a hand in selecting the winner through a show of applause.
While many local residents are aware that Antonias created the jingle 56 years ago, they may not know the jingle was translated into other languages, including Russian, Italian and Japanese. The Hollywood Advertising Club recognized it in 1961 as one of the world’s best commercials.
Want to hear a blast from the past – or, if you’re too young to remember Woodward’s, see what you missed? Check out a video featuring Antonias and his award-winning jingle.
Family Day fun
Royal City residents will have more places to celebrate Family Day than ever before.
“Last year we had over 2,500 people attend. It was only in one venue,” said Silvanna McNulty, a member of the Family Court committee that organizes Family Day. “This time we are going to use two venues – River Market and Fraser River Discovery Centre.”
In addition to entertainment, displays and activities at these two main venues, the City of New Westminster is opening the doors to many of its facilities in honour of B.C. Family Day on Feb. 10. Not only will people be able to enjoy a variety of activities with their families, but they will also be able to see some of the resources available in the community.
Ramona Manzer, a recreation programmer at Centennial Community Centre, said there will be an “open house feel” at the majority of the city’s facilities. Community members can follow a “roadmap” to discover a range of opportunities at local facilities. You can find the roadmap in the Wednesday, Feb. 5 issue of The Record or at www.newwestpcr.ca, where you’ll also find a list of city facilities hosting family day fun and hours of operations.
PechaKucha returns
Neal and Melinda Michael are eager to kick off Year 2 of PechaKucha New West.
Volume 5 of PechaKucha New West is set for Friday, Feb. 21 at River Market.
Tickets for the Feb. 21 event are $7.50 and can be ordered starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8 via the PechaKucha New West Eventbrite page.
The lineup of presenters includes: Dave Brown, community services manager for Lookout Emergency Aid Society; Dylan Eyers, owner/operator of Park Ranger Hunting; Cait Flanders, managing editor of RateHub.ca; Curtis Van Marck, owner of Barley’s Homebrewing Supplies; Mark Shieh, director of River Market; Diane Haynes, writer and social entrepreneur; Jeremy Perry, employee benefits consultant; Stefanie Swinnard, director of The Stage New Westminster; Gary Pooni, president of Brook Pooni Associates; and Abrelyn Malapad, women’s empowerment coach.
The fun gets underway with music, drinks and food starting 6:30 p.m., as Re-Up BBQ and Longtail Kitchen will stay open until the presentations begin at 7:30 p.m.
The Michaels, organizers of PechaKucha New West, are seeking suggestions for future presenters.
“Heading into our second year you can expect more great events showcasing lots of great made-in-New-West stories – but we would also like your help,” stated a press email. “Without great speakers there is no PechaKucha New West, therefore we’re asking for your recommendations of people who are involved in interesting and/or unique jobs or projects relating to entrepreneurship, the arts, media, architecture, design or other culture-driven endeavours,” stated a press release. “We have our view on who might be an interesting speaker, but it certainly helps to have recommendations from you our community to keep things fresh and exciting.”
Anyone with ideas on potential speakers can email the Michaels with the name of the potential speaker, their contact email and/or phone number, their business/organization affiliation and a brief reason why they might be an interesting presenter. You can send ideas to [email protected].
Send Around Town ideas to Theresa, [email protected], or find her on Twitter, @TheresaMcmanus.
