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“As you can see, we’ve scheduled the event to run from three o’clock to seven o’clock, so the main sound will be off before 9 PM and not interfering with the noise bylaws. We have the permission and waivers from the high school to use the field from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon for set up and thorough cleaning. We will be showcasing local bands on the stage, and we’ve got local businesses set up to offer food, pony rides, and face painting.
“And we are prepared to offer booths to other local businesses who wish to use the space to advertise. The dance studio for example is using their booth space for class demonstrations, and the Pet and Farm Supply store has already signed on for a booth to have water bowls and treats for dogs that families may bring.”
He was impressed. He hadn’t heard about the dance studio and the pet store. Kylie was cool and confident under pressure, and a cute flush rose in her cheeks as she spoke. Watching her in action, his pulse kicked up a notch.
But Bette cut into his hopefulness.
“What costs are you expecting the town to cover here? We can’t exactly be giving out funds to everyone who wants to throw a party.”
“None,” she said to the councilwoman. “We already have goods and service donations, and fundraising plans are underway. We expect to cover all costs.”
The mayor sat forward. “Well, it sounds like you’ve thought of everything, but why now? This is pretty out of the blue.”
Derek resisted the urge to run his hands through his hair. He sat stock-still trying to give the impression of indifference, but his heart hammered in his chest.
Kylie looked as calm and collected as ever.
“Of course, Mr. Mayor,” she said. “This admittedly was a very last-minute idea.”
“We will have a large town fair very soon for Canada Day,” Bette said. “Why on Earth do we need another one now?”
“It’s true.” Kylie nodded. “The Canada Day fair is very popular, and we in no way wish to take any attention away from that. But that fair is also largely attended by people from out of town who come to cottage here over the summer.”
“Miss Martin,” Bette said. At least she didn’t call Kylie a young lady. “The cottagers who come here each summer keep this town in the black all year long. We rely on the seasonal business to get by. Why shouldn’t we offer them a good show?”
“I completely agree with you, Councilwoman,” Kylie said. “The cottagers and the townspeople all love the fair in July. We were thinking it might be nice to honour the people and businesses who are here all year long.
“The summertime can get quite busy and sometimes crowded here in the village, and that is of course exactly what we want to support the town’s economy. But wouldn’t it be nice to have a local event just for us? Where neighbours could celebrate each other, and we can all recharge our good spirits before the hectic summer season begins?”
“You talk as if you’re a local, Miss Martin,” Bette stared down the end of her nose at Kylie, “but I would argue the people who rent here for two months are much more local than someone who left town years ago and has only now returned.”
The sting hit her; Derek could see it on her face. Even though he’d made the same comments days earlier, he was about to turn to Bette and give her a piece of his mind.
“You’re absolutely right, Councilwoman.” Kylie drew her shoulders back. “But I’ve been called on by these locals,” she gestured to Steve, Linda, Samara, and Bob standing behind her, “to help them organize this event. Luckily, it’s something I have experience in from my years away. My local status notwithstanding, I think you’ll see we have planned everything out well, and it’s all in accordance with town bylaws. We are only asking for leniency over the timing of our request and that you grant our permit.”
With that, she stepped back to join the others, indicating she’d said her piece. There was applause from around the room, and people nodded toward the council at the front.
“Since there is no time scheduled this evening for private discussion,” the mayor said, “we’ll have to put it to an immediate vote. All in favour?”
“Aye!” Randy yelled from the back of the crowd.
“You still don’t get a vote, Randy.” The mayor rolled his eyes.
As Derek raised his hand, his stomach twisted into knots. Pete of course also raised his hand, and relief flooded Derek as Quincy’s hand went up as well. They had a majority. But then Derek nearly choked as Bette also raised her hand. Jack, looking around at the rest of the council, finally raised his as well.
“Very well,” the mayor said. “All members present have voted in favour of approving the permit for next weekend’s town fair. And might I add, putting together an event of this size in such a short time frame and with no cost to the town is impressive.”
Shortly after, the meeting adjourned, and by the time Derek and Pete made their way to their group of co-conspirators, Kylie was already doling out new jobs and responsibilities. There was advertising to be done, local businesses to contact, and deposits to be paid. Derek stood there watching as she conducted them all like she was born to run a country. The chatter amongst them stopped short as Bette pressed her way into the circle. They all stood there awkwardly, except for Kylie.
“Councilwoman,” she said. “Thank you for your support.”
Thank you? He had a few other choice words for the councilwoman after her dig at Kylie for being away.
“Excellent presentation, Miss Martin,” she said. “Your work is impressive. I suppose your time in Toronto was well spent.”
Was that a backhanded compliment? He wasn’t sure, but Kylie thanked her again, and the councilwoman made her way to the door.
“You were great, Kylie,” Pete said. “I can’t believe they all agreed! That never happens.”
