Staff
The president of the United States will not be attending the international tug-of-war between Fort Frances and International Falls on July 2.
While the City of International Falls had invited President Barack Obama to the event, which this year will coincide with the dedication of the new James Oberstar Riverfront Complex across the river, White House staff officially have informed Mayor Shawn Mason he will not be attending, Falls CAO Rod Otterness noted yesterday.
However, the tug-of-war task force has plenty of invitations out to various politicians and athletes from both sides of the border, and are hopeful a good number of celebrities will make appearances.
“We have confirmations from Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken. We do not have confirmations yet from our new representative, Chip Cravaack,” said Otterness, adding they also are hopeful that Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton can make it.
“I am very hopeful we’re going to get some good names,” Otterness added, noting that task force member Robin Bjorkquist has been working “very, very diligently” to contact pro athletes.
For example, Philadelphia Flyers’ Chris Pronger was contacted but unfortunately had to decline.
But former Minnesota Vikings’ linebacker Matt Blair, who was in the Falls for its “Pennies for Play” fundraiser back in January, might just come back.
Meanwhile, the international tug-of-war now has a slogan: “Pulling for Peace.”
Otterness said this slogan might be branded and used in marketing this year and in future.
As well, organizers hope to have an international tug-of-war website up and running very soon.
As reported earlier this month, the event will consist of two tugs.
The first will be between Fort Frances town council and International Falls city council, each of which will be joined by celebrities (i.e., politicians, athletes, or otherwise).
The teams will consist of 20 participants.
The second tug will be between Canadian and U.S. teams, each consisting of 50 men and women.
A brand new trophy will be presented to the winning team in this second tug.
The international tug-of-war will coincide with various other events on both sides of the border.
