Emo Fair to have something for everyone

Robin McCormick

The Rainy River District Fall Fair is happening this week Thursday, Friday, and Saturday (Aug. 13-15) and there promises to be something for everyone.
The midway runs the three days with rides and games for all ages. Food booths will sell a variety of food to satisfy everyone’s appetite.
The Fair Queen crowning takes place Thursday evening at the arena beginning at 6:30 p.m. Four girls are competing to win the title, a new feature at the crowning this year is the crowning of the 2009 Mini-King and Queen, Eleven contestants have entered to date for this prestigious title.
Come out and watch this event and see several local performers share their talent along with the queen contestants performing for the crowd Thursday evening.
There are several 4-H activities taking place all weekend, including the 4-H steer auction, showmanship, the beef cattle and dairy cattle shows and much more.
The parade is Saturday at noon.
And as always the unique tradeshow is in the bottom of the arena. The exhibition hall always proves to be an enjoyable place to look over entries provided by talented folks in our area.
Come out and enjoy the fair and the most enjoyable part for many is visiting and socializing with folks you may only see at this event.
• • •
In conjunction with the Fair the Emo Legion is once again hosting the Art Bonot Baseball Tournament. Call Tracy Grennier at 482-3541 for more information.
The band “Centre-Line” will be playing at the Legion Saturday evening. This is an awesome live band—be sure to top off your evening with this. The admission is $5 with age of majority a requirement.
Last week’s card winners at the Emo Legion were Nicole Drennan and Elaine Altbauer. The low went to Gail Thompson and Jean Steele. The draw was won by Ross Brooks.
The next Country Jam at the Emo Legion is Aug. 24 beginning at 7 p.m. This is an evening of music provided free by the entertainers.
• • •
Congratulations to two local men on their recent retirements.
Ian Booth put in his last day of a 33-year career at the Fort Frances Jail. Booth had been the superintendent of the jail for the past 14 years (which is the longest length that position had been held) in his career.
He was a correctional officer prior to his advancement to superintendent.
Booth enjoyed his job and took great pride. I’ve heard many comments that he was an excellent boss; he ran his job with great professionalism and yet was always approachable.
Another well earned retirement goes to Bill Darby. He hung up his professional hat the end of July.
Darby was employed by the MNR since 1980. He worked in the Northwest Territories prior to that.
Darby used his vast degree of education (Masters and DHD) to enhance many important projects. He was honoured with a retirement party Friday (Aug. 7) at the Fort Frances Curling Club.
Special tributes were provided by the MNR, Voyageurs National Park, International Joint Commission, and the Rainy River District Abattoir Committee.
Darby’s parents and brother made the trip from Shanty Bay to share the celebration of their son’s retirement. Bill’s wife, Deb, says she now has a full-time farmer to help her and that makes her very happy.
Congratulations and all the best on your retirement to both Booth and Darby from your community of friends and family.
• • •
Sympathy to the many family members and friends of Laura Lougheed in her sudden passing. The Rainy River District is thinking of you at this sad, difficult time.
• • •
Freeda Carmody, Neila Booth, Jamie Booth and Becky Chabot all put on their running shoes and competed in the Yellow Rose 5K run in Warroad on Saturday.
Freeda came home with a first place win, Neila and Jamie placed second in their two age divisions. Congratulations to all of you for competing and your wins.
• • •
Mandy Galusha and boyfriend, Ryan, were home last week from Toronto as well Tana Kennett, who was back from Australia. All three are doing great and had many great stories to tell about life beyond Devlin.
• • •
Congratulations to Susie Grynol (daughter of Bob and Betty Grynol) and Karim Abdulla on their Aug. 1 marriage.
Carley and I attended the wedding in Ottawa and enjoyed the wedding and a week visit with my sister Nancy.
I’m back home for awhile and will be back as a “regular feature” in the Fort Frances Times. However, in September, I will have the great joy of going to St. Thomas, ON as my second grandchild is due to arrive.
• • •
Robin’s 2¢
Two old guys were chatting. One said to the other: “My 85th birthday was yesterday. The wife gave me a SUV.”
The other guy responded: “Wow, that’s amazing! Imagine a SUV! What a great gift!”
First guy: “Yup! Socks, underwear and Viagra!”