Bill (left) and Brady, co-owners of Minden Equipment Rental, pose with their mannequin for the Minden Mannequin Contest, a contest for Minden businesses to take part in for the chance to win cash prizes and spread joy around town from the May long weekend until Labour Day. Minden is expecting the arrival of some new members of the business community this summer.
The influx will not perhaps be as animated as the local merchants and clerks, but they should bring a smile to the faces of people passing by, a much needed tonic for this time of year. These new additions will be the creations of the owners and staff of businesses participating in Minden Mannequin Madness.
The Minden Mannequin Madness is a re-introduction of a contest from a generation ago when the then-publisher of the Minden Times, Jack Brezina, encouraged the business community to create scarecrows or mannequins to display in front of their businesses. The idea was to create something that reflected the business or something totally whimsical and fun. Accordingly, the exact same concept is at play this time.
“I wanted to generate some interest and, dare I say it, some excitement in the village,” said Brezina. “To give people a reason to stroll through the village, and smile as they take selfies with the colourful creations.”
Underlying all this is a contest in which a panel of judges will select three winners. Cash prizes will be awarded for the most creative mannequin as well as the funniest and the most “Minden.” Once a website is in place, there will also be an opportunity for a people’s choice award, allowing the public to vote for their favourites.
So keep an eye on Minden for some additional characters appearing in front of the local business scene this summer and discover yet another reason to smile.
Businesses are invited to register for this contest by contacting Jack Brezina at kevker@sympatico.ca.
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