Dragon boats new to FITS

The Rainy Lake mermaid won’t be the only mythological creature on the water July 1 as this year’s “Fun in the Sun” celebration will include dragon boats for the first time.
And organizers are hoping to get local teams to sign up for the competition, which will run next Tuesday from 1-4 p.m. at Pither’s Point.
“Russ Ling brought the idea in front of the ‘Fun in the Sun’ committee,” said committee member Dawn Booth. “I think it’s something new, something different for people to try.”
As of Monday afternoon, only two teams had signed up to compete—both from Atikokan. “I think they race competitively,” noted Booth, adding it would be great to see at least one local team to challenge these two.
Bt the town could see local representation, as Pam Hawley, chair of the centennial committee, is trying to organize a team which would include members of town council and staff.
Teams will consist of 20 paddlers and one drummer. “But you don’t have to sign up as a team. We’ll put individuals together if we have to,” said Booth.
Teams will get training and two practice runs before the 500-metre race, which should take about two-and-a-half minutes to complete. No experience is required.
Cost is $100 per team. To register, or for more information, drop by the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce office (474 Scott St.)
Of course, dragon boats won’t be the only activity going here July 1. The day will kick off with a pancake breakfast, hosted by the Legion, from 7-9:30 a.m. at Pither’s Point Park.
This will be followed by the opening of the La Verendrye Parkway at 10 a.m. at the Sorting Gap Marina, which also will include the unveiling of the Rainy Lake mermaid statue and a dedication of a bench donor plaque.
The annual Canada Day parade will start at 11 a.m., likely from the Shevlin wood yard, then proceeding down Front Street to Victoria Avenue, then back to Scott Street and to the wood yard.
To enter a float or volunteer at the parade, call Booth at 274-5773.
Then the fun moves out to Pither’s Point Park with an unveiling of the new big chair at 1 p.m., followed by a day of activities like face-painting, inflatables, games, hair-braiding, and live entertainment under the big tent.
And a 50/50 Bingo will run from 1-6 p.m. under the big tent.
At 1:30 p.m., the Fort Frances Aquanauts will stage a Canada Day mile swim.
Scheer’s Lumberjack Shows, sponsored by Abitibi-Consolidated, are scheduled for 2, 4, and 6 p.m. at Pither’s Point. Lumberjacks will compete in log-rolling, hot-sawing, cross-cutting, chopping, chainsaw-cutting, and jousting.
And what would July 1 be without fireworks? These will take place at 10 p.m. (weather permitting) at the La Verendrye Parkway.
Canada Day is the culmination of “Homecoming Week” (June 26-July 1)—an eventful six days of activities planned by the town’s centennial celebration committee, the local Business Improvement Area, “Fun in the Sun” committee, and many others.
For a complete list of “Homecoming Week” activities, see the ad elsewhere in this week’s Times.