Dismayed

To the editor:
I was very dismayed and upset to see how little coverage was reported upon in the Wednesday, July 3 edition of the Fort Frances Times concerning the second-annual Boundary Waters Dragon Boat Festival, which took place on July 1.
Other than one small black-and-white photo on an inside page and a couple of “in passing” comments elsewhere, there was nothing to accurately reflect the huge success for our area demonstrated by this event.
Front-page colour photos of the “tug,” as well as inside stories and photos dominated, and even the bathtub races and “Castin’ for Cash” received far more attention.
I would point out that the Dragon Boat Festival involved more than 200 participants and volunteers, and drew far larger crowds (peak hour reckoned at 1,500) than the other events combined!
It is now poised to become the premiere annual summer event in our area.
A multi-interest committee worked for months to make this a success and it is planned to expand to an international festival beginning in 2014. Numerous craft vendors, children’s activities, food booths, etc. also were part of the festival, as well as a major lottery draw.
When so much is being accomplished by volunteers and numerous local business sponsors to promote a fun event for all citizens, it is very disheartening to be all but ignored by the local press.
On behalf of the organizing committee, let me once again thank our enthusiastic participants and supporters, the staff at NCDS, and all of our many sponsors, particularly Leo Melanson and the staff of B•93 The Border FM radio, for their unflagging support and far-sighted recognition of the potential of dragon boating.
We optimistically hope for more support from the Times next year.
Yours sincerely,
Paul Pirie,
Boundary Waters
Dragon Boat Club