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"A Family Tradition for 132 Years" PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, August 18, 1998 - 5 Paul and Charlene Wasson, with a picture of the late Larry Dee. Their annual corn roast and jam in their friend's memory is a fundraiser for the Heart and Stroke Foundation. From the heart Wassons' jam a memorial to a friend, and a fundraiser for Heart Foundation By Chris Hall Port Perry Star The memory of country musician Larry Dee will live forever in the minds of a Cartwright couple. And, for one day each August, he will be remembered by hundreds of people at the home of Paul and Charlene Wasson, when they stage their annual Musician's Corn Roast in Blackstock. Mr. Wasson, also a musician, recalled from his McKee Rd. home last week how Larry Dee lost his life, and why the annual jam is held in his honor. ~ "He was a very good personal friend of mine and when he died of a heart attack 11 years ago, it was a shock," said Mr. Wasson. "But, we thought we wouldn't moan and groan about it; we wouldn't remem- ber him in a funeral hall." Instead, Mr. Dee's friends came up with the idea for a day where entertain- ers and music-lovers could get together, have fun, and remember their buddy. "That's how we came up with the idea for the musician's corn roast. It started out as a group of 40 or 50 people behind our garage in the backyard, to hundreds of people now," said Mr. Wasson. A mod- est admission price is charged, and all proceeds from the day's events go to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. "After we tally up the expenses we send in the money," he says, estimating that close to $30,000 has been raised in the past 11 years. "Our little outdoor party hasgrown and grown into a huge event. We're pretty quiet people and we only have one big party a year, and this is it." Professional entertainers are brought in to headline the day's festivities, and there's a jam session for everybody else who wants to play. Local business helps out in a big way. A large trailer has been donated to the couple from Roadrunners to use as a stage; road signs have been have been lent for promotions and directing visi- tors; Tony Janssen of Port Perry Printing donates the flyers for the event; T&S Barbeque donates the barbequéd and looks after the cooking and selling; local stores donate the food and Pingo's donates the corn; and all entertainers and volunteer staff donate their time freely to the cause. "Everyone's just great, helping us out," said Mrs. Wasson, noting that over 1,500 people came out this year on Aug. 9, when $2,100 was raised. "We just couldn't do it anymore with- out all the help we get from these people and businesses. We went from 40 people to over 1,000... this wouldn't happen without their help. "Our neighbors chip in and lend a hand, which makes it work so well," she added. "It's really nice when the people surrounding you help out." 'And, while the numbers were a little lower this year than last -- approxi- mately $3,200 was raised at the 1997 event -- Mr. Wasson says plans are under way for the 1999 bash, and a goal of $4,000 has been set. "We want to give the people a little variety each year... different vendors, different entertainers. Hopefully next year we can hit the $4,000 mark for the first time. "This event has lots to offer for every- one," said Mr. Wasson. "We have displays set up and games for the children and adults. There's no worries for the parents about their children -- we've got the property fenced in and the kids can't run off. "Bring a cooler with your own drinks and food, we don't tell you where to get your stuff. We want people to come here and relax, enjoy the entertainment and have fun." The day usually runs from noon until after 8 p.m., with a nominal fee of $5 charged for entry. "We don't think it is too much to ask for a-little live entertainment and fun," said Mr. Wasson. "We have one couple, Ron and Mary Young of Seagrave, who give us a $500 cheque for the foundation. "That's the great part: people know other people who cope with heart prob- lems; they want to help out." Back To School Sale | Musi Zuyd S418 Fram t J i | ACCO insertable Indexes 78910-54309 4 5 19d Coiouag 49¢ F360) N.. 4 5 ' ) Le : Bm oOMN AVERY Self-Adhesive 1 [ So fo 2 IGD Cel . bc N ' (CR Ny pl 78910-5431 1 Reinforcements Nxg Se : FR op conaree 89¢ sf 67833-32201 White en RAS ; 78910-54312 22% pet dispenser bx 168 y professiott " hE "" 1 3 ted deat 89C =a 67933-32203 v ll --_ | inserta Mg ee? - 250 per Spenser bok 2249 00 £ "ean RN Be ~ 32301 & avery. ACLO Eannpmy J-Hole Paper Bunch 50505-24008 "ue ral ap 10 5 shzeis ACME B-piece Math Set X-4008 Mata) nex Colouring Markers 73640-83000 33 morxer cof AVERY sis YRF74 Jumbo Hi-Liter" 67933-8350 Flunreivent highlighter Aninhin on voncas Solorgs. £7.88 goes We Carry Everything 188 Mary Street, Port Perry You Need For Back To School 985-7383 ¥ eo You thought your picture wouldn't be in the paper?!?!? Happy 50th Anniversary from "the Kids in Kingston"! bE EERE ERR RT AAA 0 wat A