The gloves are off and the gauntlet has been thrown down in the turf war to see who has the most pull in New Westminster at Hyacks Homecoming 2017.
New Westminster and District Labour Council president Lori Mayhew challenged Mayor Jonathan Cote to another showdown in the annual Homecoming tug-of-war competition Tuesday at city hall. Mayhew threw down a Hyacks-orange gauntlet in the parking lot behind the hall at high noon and a little good-natured tug-of-war trash-talk for good measure.
“We expect to three-peat,” said Mayhew. “The tug-of-war trophy will be Homecoming all right – right back to our offices.”
Mayhew’s Team Union (a.k.a. More Than They Bargained For) has defeated Cote’s Team City Hall (New West City Haulers) two years running in Homecoming’s F.G. Richards Sr. Memorial Tug-of-War Competition and is looking for a three-peat.
Cote accepted the challenge with a warning that Team Union had better have their collective act together.
“Bring it on!” said Cote. “I think this year Team Union will have to start bargaining… for mercy!”
The tug-of-war competition is sponsored by the New Westminster Fire and Emergency Services Department and named after the Royal City’s first fire chief, F.G. Richards Sr., the original Hyack. It’s part of the 15th edition of Hyacks’ Football Homecoming, Sept. 8 at Mercer Stadium.
The theme of this year’s Homecoming is 15 Years Long and Still Going Strong! It will feature family-friendly fun events starting at 4 p.m. with the alumni flag football game, the game ball delivery by skydivers dropping in from above and a drumline band for half-time entertainment.
