What started as a backyard barbecue fundraiser three decades ago has morphed into the largest annual fundraiser in York Region. And on Wednesday, the kickoff for the 31st Magna Hoedown at Adena Springs farm in Aurora returned to its roots.
“This farm is where it all started 31 years ago,” Hoedown chairperson Steve Hinder said of the thoroughbred horse breeding and racing property owned by Magna founder Frank Stronach. “That small barbecue fundraiser is now a signature event that has raised more than $13 million for hundreds of local charities who support more than 116,000 York Region residents.”
Scores of local volunteers with Magna’s charitable arm, Neighbourhood Network, were on hand to celebrate the kickoff, as well as Aurora Mayor Tom Mrakas.
“It’s incredible how this began as a small backyard fundraiser at the Stronach family farm and how it’s grown,” Mrakas said. “But the one constant is the belief that you can make a difference in the lives of everyone around you.”
Mrakas paid tribute to the generosity of auto parts company Magna International and Neighbourhood Network, a not-for-profit organization that promotes volunteerism and builds bridges between needs and resources in Aurora, Newmarket, East Gwillimbury, Georgina, and King Township.
“A lot of the things in our town wouldn’t exist today,” he noted.
Longtime Hoedown performer, host and the Magna Hoedown Showdown judge and mentor Beverley Mahood introduced the 2019 Showdown country music talent competition winner, Vicki Biersteker, who performed for the crowd. The Schomberg singer-songwriter took home a prize package valued at $25,000.
Aspiring country music performers from across Ontario are encouraged to apply before the July 19 deadline here.
The 2019 Magna Hoedown takes place Sept. 13 and 14 and features two evenings of live entertainment, dancing, a Texas-style barbecue and more. It is held in a massive tent on the expansive front lawn of Magna International’s Aurora headquarters at 337 Magna Dr.
For tickets and more information, visit here.
