September 2026 - Nuggets - Fall Round-Up Broker B.B.Q.

There are a lot of social events on the RE/MAX Garden City calendar over the course of the year. It’s hard to isolate which one is the best. But one of the favourites is our annual Broker B.B.Q. Held each year mid to late August. And because of the date, the event tends to be somewhat bittersweet. Bittersweet because it also marks the end of the summer season. Hence the name Fall Round-Up. And as the name suggests, it’s generally a western format. Over the years it’s been held at a number of locations. For years, while we also operated our Burlington/Waterdown division, we held it in Place Polonaise in Grimsby. A delightful spot right on Lake Ontario, with a covered pavilion which we decorated barn style with bales of hay and the occasional saddle. Well, with prime development pressure for lakefront property, Place Polonaise was closed down, torn down and developed into luxury lakefront living. That fact, along with our corporate consolidation to Niagara, resulted in the more recent relocation of our event to Henley Island. A fabulous site right in the heart of St. Catharines, located on Martindale Pond and home to the prestigious Royal Canadian Henley Regatta. Situated in a park-like setting with a large patio and a fully renovated clubhouse, it’s ideal both inside and out. And once there, it’s hard to believe you’re actually in the city. For years the event was catered by David Moukperian of Fiddler’s Pour House fame. And speaking of fame, David was renowned for his amazing B.B.Q. ribs. But times change. David has, since last year, sold Fiddler's, along with his catering business and has joined our D.L.C. Easy Street Mortgage company. So, no more of his famous ribs. Well, this year we reached out to Pig Out Catering, and they certainly filled the bill. Roasted pig, of course, along with mouth-watering beef brisket, pasta salad, hot pasta, roasted potatoes and dessert supplied by our own Bel and Jenny of Donut Depot. An indescribable array of custom desserts. The weather co-operated. It was a beautiful late afternoon/evening with temperatures in the 20s °C and lots of sunshine. As per normal, the event has developed over the years to become more of a family event with agents, spouses and children in attendance. There is always an assortment of games for the kids: ring toss, hatchet throwing (plastic hatchets), cornhole and others. Music is provided by the always very capable Domenic Cortese of D.J. Dominoes and bartending by the wonderful trio of Tom, Jane and Ted, who are so friendly, engaging and accommodating that they make the whole event very special. But before you know it, the dancing, eating and drinking have wound down for another year, and people are heading back home. Another excellent event has ended for another year. Now it’s time to get the kids ready for school and get ramped up for the busy fall season of real estate activity, which will be upon us before you know it.