Assembly Plus Kingston has been tasked with creating the stunning new sign, with fabrication expertly managed by DKS Design Inc. The sign will feature a robust steel internal frame and sleek aluminum letters, measuring an impressive 28 feet in width and six feet in height. Weighing over 1,000 pounds upon completion, this sign is truly monumental. The design is enhanced by a bowler-style hat, skillfully crafted from steel and aluminum and adorned with a custom feather and elegant violet banding, adding a distinctive and familiar touch to the overall presentation.
Before being permanently installed on The Tragically Hip Way the sign will first be used for two special screenings of The Tragically Hip’s No Dress Rehearsal, a four-part Amazon Prime Video docuseries about the band’s incredible 40-year journey. The screenings will take place at the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts October 1 and 2 in support of the United Way KFL&A. The event includes a viewing of the first two episodes as well as an interactive Q&A session, moderated by Bill Welychka, with band members Rob Baker, Paul Langlois and Gord Sinclair, as well as Director Mike Downie and Executive Producer Jake Gold. The October 1 event is sold out; limited tickets are available for October 2. Joanne Langlois, 2024 Campaign Chair of the United Way KFL&A, originally conceived of the sign to create a film festival experience at the two Kingston screenings.
“The Hip have been leading philanthropists in the city for the last 30 years. Except for their final show, they only played charity shows in their hometown. Even now that their performance career has concluded, they continue to give back to our community through their legacy projects. In most recent years this has included supporting Hockey Helps the Homeless and the United Way. This sign recognizes all the ways they have had an impact on our community,” says Joanne Langlois.
After being unveiled at the Isabel Bader Centre, the sign will move to its permanent home outside of Slush Puppie Place at 1 The Tragically Hip Way. The October 6 event will begin with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 3:30 pm with members of The Tragically Hip and their families, local dignitaries, and representatives from Tourism Kingston and other community partners.
