Final preparations are underway for the Dresden Sports Hall of Fame Dinner and Induction Ceremony, set to take place on April 12 at the Ken Houston Memorial Agricultural Centre.
The annual event, which has sold out every year since its inception in 1997, will honour Dresden’s sporting heroes with an evening of celebration, storytelling, and community pride.
“We offer incredible value for a $50 ticket,” said Michael Wicks, long-time chair of the Dresden Sports Hall of Fame, in a media release.
“We receive tremendous financial support from the local business community and keep our costs low thanks to our many volunteers.”
Tickets are selling quickly and are available at McKellar’s Flowers & Gifts in Dresden by calling 519-683-4368 or through committee members. Proceeds from the event will support local charities and community initiatives.
This year’s induction ceremony will feature four-time Stanley Cup champion Joey Kocur and veteran sports broadcaster Rod Black.
Dresden native and Detroit sports broadcaster Trevor Thompson will also be recognized as the inaugural recipient of the Bruce Huff Memorial Award, honouring a media member for outstanding contributions to sports coverage while representing the community. The award is named in memory of Bruce Huff, a respected sports journalist from the Dresden area who passed away on June 27, 2024.
Also being inducted are the 1967 and 1969 Dresden Bantam baseball teams, which captured Ontario Baseball Championships. Hall of Fame committee member and former team member Brian McCabe noted that while some players, including Ken Houston, have passed away, many of their teammates and family members will attend the event.
Individual honours will be presented to Paul Bellamy as Male Athlete inductee and Cathy Depencier as Female Athlete inductee. Gord Peters will be recognized in the Legend category, while Ian Avery will receive the Builder award. The Lynn Memorial Award, presented to individuals who have demonstrated passion and support for the Dresden sports community, will be awarded to Ken Smith. The Walter D. McFadden Trophy will be presented to Brittany Pegg.
With a seating capacity of 325, organizers encourage interested attendees to purchase tickets as soon as possible. “Invariably, someone calls for tickets the day before or day of the event, and unfortunately, I have to say, ‘Sorry,’” said Wicks.
Doors open at 5 p.m., with dinner set to begin at 6 p.m.
