Staff
Although it’s still very much winter outside, plans are underway for summer festivities in Fort Frances, such as the second-annual Boundary Waters Dragon Boat Festival on July 1 and the “Pulling for Peace” international tug-of-war on July 2.
But whether or not Canada Day events here will include a parade remains to be seen.
“We’re in danger of losing the parade unless someone steps up to take it on,” warned Fort Frances Coun. Rick Wiedenhoeft.
While the tug-of-war and dragon boat committees are co-ordinating their efforts to plan a two-day, fun-filled event, neither are interested in organizing the parade.
“We’re hopeful one of the service clubs in town would be willing to take it on,” said Coun. Wiedenhoeft, though adding anyone interested in heading the parade can contact him at 274-3796.
Last year’s parade was organized by Sarah Hallikas, who held a summer position with the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce.
But most of her work for the parade was volunteer-based.
“If no one steps up, we won’t have it this year and kids and families will be disappointed,” noted Cathy Tysz.
Since the Boundary Waters Dragon Boat Festival is scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m. on Canada Day, the committees have suggested the parade
begin at 9:30 a.m. and be done in time for the start of the dragon boat races.
Meanwhile, plans currently in the works for the two-day event include food booths, a kiddie land, vendors, and possibly some entertainers.
The annual tug-of-war across the upper Rainy River between Fort Frances and International Falls will take place at 5 p.m. on July 2, again featuring the three “pulls.”
It will begin with the celebrity pull, which will see 22 competitors on each side, who then will each choose one male and one female to participate in the community pull.
The event will finish up with the power pull, which will determine which community takes home the trophy.
For more information about the dragon boat festival, visit its booth at the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce’s Business & Community Expo coming up April 26-27 at the Memorial Sports Centre.
