Bundy Slam returns with scaled-down format…as published originally in the REVIEW-MIRROR, July 21, 2010.

The annual Bundy Slam – one of the Westport Jr. B Rideaus largest fundraisers – is back this year but in a toned-down format from the previous 13 editions.

 “I’m trying to get away from the past so we are going with a new theme,” said Mike Seed, the Rideaus coach and GM.

“Like any good fundraiser, it has run its course.

“The numbers were down last year and kids were coming from all over,” he said.

The event had grown, in overhead costs, to the point where the club needed at least 1,000 people to to make it worthwhile.

“I want it to be a local party again.

“It is a fundraiser for the Westport Rideaus and we lost sight of that,” he said.

Some village residents will be happy to hear Seed’s plans. Over the last few years, the incidents of vandalism in the village and the number of people causing problems at the event was on the rise. 

Seed plans to ban anyone under 25 from attending this year’s event.

“It was turning into a babysitting service.

 “It was great that kids supported it for all these years, and I’d love to have 90 per cent of them there, but, like everything else, the other 10 per cent have ruined it for everyone,” he said.

This year’s entertainment is scheduled to include Big Act, a classic rock and roll band from Smiths Falls, J.W. Whisky’s Best featuring Westport’s Jimmie Jones and Sean McCullough and 80s Enuff, the only returning group, featuring Westport’s Patrick Murphy. 

 “We want it to be like a reunion party where you might see people you haven’t seen in years,” he said.

“The Rideaus ran the RDHS Reunion bar and it was an impressive event.

“People don’t have the opportunity to get out for an evening like that very often and that is atmosphere what we are looking for,” he said.

“We have a strong alumni association now and I hope they can come out.

“If this format doesn’t work, that will be the end of it,” he said.

Tickets are $20 each and are available from Mike Seed at 273-4668.