August 26, 2024. Article by Mike Douglas, MAC Executive Director for Sauga Arts HUB.
Congratulations to MAC Board President, Ron Duquette, founder of Legends Row and to his long serving committee of dedicated volunteers, working with Heritage Mississauga, the City of Mississauga, Visit Mississauga and the Hazel McCallion Foundation for creating one of the most inspiring events on our city’s calendar year after year.
Hosted by MC extraordinaire Jake Dheer, proceedings started with the parade of inductees led by Archy Jay – The Snake Charmer and this year’s winner at the MARTY for Best Established – Instrumentalist, followed by a great rendition of O Canada by Patti Jannetta Baker, recent co-winner of the Festival of the Year MARTY for Italfest, which she had just completed the night before. Then our new Mayor Carolyn Parrish welcomed the 800 attendees to the beautiful Living Arts Centre.
Run Duquette updated on Legends Row progress, followed by Victoria Clarke, CEO of Tourism Mississauga, a lead sponsor, before friend of the arts, Stephen Dasko, Councillor for Ward 1 introduced the Mississauga Anthem which was then performed by Mikey Bloom, winner of MAC’s 50th Anniversary Anthem Contest.
Inductions got off to a superb start with an absolute gentleman of the NHL Jason Spezza who had a 19 year career in the National Hockey League with nearly 1000 points scored. He is currently the Assistant General Manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins and shared his development story in Mississauga.
Gayle Borthwick is one of the most outstanding golfers in Canadian history, she is a part of four halls of fame and a stellar example of the value of sports in leading a healthy productive life.
What would you expect of a stand up comedian introduced by Mark Breslin, Co founder of Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Clubs? Well you got it from Pat Bullard, a stand up routine from the successful Hollywood comedian/writer/producer/host. Bullard grew up in Mississauga along with talented brothers, singer Chuck Jackson and comedian Mike Bullard. Pat has led over 10 American TV series and is currently executive producer of Reba McEntire’s “Happy’s Place”.
Extraordinary dancer, Amanda Cleghorn was awarded America’s Dancer of the Year in a national championship, appeared on So You Think You Can Dance Canada, finishing as Canada’s top female dancer. She traveled the world for years dancing on stage with Taylor Swift. Amanda is a much sought after dance talent appearing in almost every award show in the last 10 years and just became a mom for the first time, weeks ago, it was a delight for MAC’s Mike Douglas to present Amanda with her Legends Row award.
Before John Roberts was the lead news anchor at Fox News, he was the White House correspondent for CNN and CBS, and before that he was a legendary host of music video programs on City TV and the then new Much Music. He was presented with his award by longtime friend Gil Moore of Metalworks, a fellow inductee.
Simu Liu, the Marvel actor and JUNOs host, known for his star turn in “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings”. His comedic work on CBC’s “Kim’s Convenience” helped him land the role as one of the Kens in “Barbie”. While his career soars, he remembers growing up in the Sheridan Homelands and takes these experiences with him as he grows.
There are now 57 Legends described on totems in Legends Row, Mississauga’s Walk of Fame at Celebration Square and everyone of these deserving contributors has done our city proud.
You can learn more about Legends Row: Mississauga’s Walk of Fame here: https://legendsrow.ca/
