The Town of Fort Frances is on the prowl for 50 he-men and women after accepting a challenge from International Falls Mayor Shawn Mason for a cross-border tug-of-war rematch.
Coun. Rick Wiedenhoeft, who is organizing the event on this side of the border with the town’s physical education director, Megan Ross, told council Monday night that the big showdown is slated for Friday, July 20.
The contest of might, which Fort Frances won last year, will start at 12:15 p.m. at the Sorting Gap Marina.
Like last year, it will involve a team of individuals on each side of the river trying to show who’s stronger—Fort Frances or International Falls.
The town will be trying to wrangle up participants, but those who show up to pull that day won’t be turned away.
“We are limited to 50 pullers, so strength and mass is important,” said Coun. Wiedenhoeft.
He added Ross told him this is the only cross-border tug-of-war she knows of anywhere and so the event is good exposure for Borderland.
In addition to local media, he’s aware media from Minneapolis will be here to cover the event. Thunder Bay TV also will be contacted and invited to come here.
Other details will be reported closer to the date of the tug-of-war, but plans may include a free lunch to entice participants to come by on their lunch hour and lend a bicep or two.
As far as keeping the title of tug-of-war champs, Coun. Wiedenhoeft said “the rope is on our side, and it’s going to stay on our side.”
(Fort Frances Times)
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
