It’s a sad sign of the times if the best we can come up with for “Family Day” is two hours of free skating and swimming at the Memorial Sports Centre.
Town council at least made an effort to suggest something that would, in the words of Mayor Roy Avis, “support the actual theme of the day.” But surely the sky is the limit in terms of organizing activities aimed at getting people out and about while rekindling a spirit of community here.
The “Little Amik Winter Carnival,” organized by the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce, has long fallen by the wayside. In its heyday, however, it offered a wonderful cure for the winter “blahs” with events for all ages and interests—from “boot hockey,” “sno-pitch,” broomball, and jam-pail curling to arm-wrestling, tug-of-war, and nightly socials, including the inaugural years of “Quest for the Best.”
Family Day, which falls on Feb. 15 this year, is a perfect opportunity to revive a festival-like atmosphere—even if on a much smaller scale.
Problem is, who is willing to step to the plate? An attempt to resurrect a winter carnival here a few years ago fizzled due to lack of interest. And efforts by other groups, such as organizing a community-wide scavenger hunt or simply arts and crafts activities for kids, generally drew poor turnouts. So it’s certainly understandable that volunteers question why they bother to take the time and trouble if no one is going to show up.
Still, waving the white flag is no option. What’s needed is the town, service clubs, businesses, and citizens working together to ensure Fort Frances is a vibrant community whether it’s activities on Canada Day or Family Day, or through events like the bass tournament and fledgling folk festival.
We can—and must—do better.
True, staging events may not guarantee huge crowds or a renewed sense of “joie de vivre,” but at least there’s a possibility they will—if not at first, then perhaps down the road.
Not staging them offers no chance.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
