Press Release
Organizers of this year’s International Tug-of-War–entitled “Pulling for Peace”—are looking forward to a fun event on Saturday, July 2.
Two “pulls” are planned, the first of which is an exhibition celebrity pull that will feature 20 invited guests.
For its team, Fort Frances has lined up the mayor and council, former footballers Jack “The Hammer” Cameron and Bill “The Undertaker” Low, as well as local MP John “Relentless” Rafferty, local MPP Howard “The Hitman” Hampton, and former NHL’ers Mike “Red Dog” Allison and Dave “Big Red” Allison.
Not to be outdone, International Falls has recruited six Minnesota Vikings’ alumni, with “The Motivator” Matt Blair being named as captain.
He will head up Team U.S.A. for the celebrity pull.
Following that, there will be a “Community Pull” which will feature 50 locals per side. The rules note that 15 of the 50 must be women, and all pullers must be 16 years of age or older.
Fort Frances has been busy recruiting a group of “muscle, strength, and endurance” to win back the trophy that was taken from the town last year by the International Falls team, albeit under some controversy.
The event will start at 11 a.m. at the Sorting Gap Marina. There will be a short program to begin the festivities, including the national anthems, official rules, and introduction of the celebrity teams.
The start of each pull will be conducted by an official who will be in a boat in the middle of the Rainy River that separates our two countries.
Following the “pulls,” there will be a donation-only barbecue luncheon in Fort Frances for the participants and spectators, with all proceeds to be put towards the Canada Day celebrations here.
International Falls also will be hosting a barbecue for its participants and spectators.
Everyone then is encouraged to take part in the additional festivities happening over in International Falls in conjunction with the opening and dedication of the James Oberstar Riverfront Complex.
There will be a dedication at 9:45 a.m., followed by tours of the new facilities and the International Tug-of-War.
Then at 2 p.m., the gates open for the inaugural concert taking place in the Irvin N. Anderson Amphitheater, featuring the Poor Boys, Arch Allies, and headliner, “Loverboy.”
For more information, visit www.internationaltugofwar.com
A large cheering section is needed to bring the trophy back to Fort Frances.
Come out and celebrate our 196 years of peaceful borders with our American friends in this fun and friendly competition.
