Nicholas Donaldson
The Town of Rainy River once again is gearing up to host its annual “Railroad Daze” celebration tomorrow through Sunday (July 20-23).
Now in its 30th year, co-organizer Brittany Bowman promises a wide range of events for all ages over the course of the weekend, beginning with a “Paint & Sip” tomorrow at 7 p.m. at the Rainy River Legion.
Tickets for this cost $35 each (age of majority only)
A baseball tournament will begin at 6 p.m. on Friday and run until Sunday, with a home run contest set for Sunday at 4 p.m. at the Rainy River Rec Centre.
The Rainy River Public Library will host a “Kids Summer Reading Club Drop-in Program” on Friday from 11 a.m.-noon, as well as hold their summer book sale Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. both days.
Friday’s activities also will feature the “Picnic on the Lawn” from 1-3 p.m., bike/wagon decorating at 3 p.m., pork on a bun at 6 p.m. at the Legion, and a bonfire with s’mores at 7 p.m. at Hannam Park.
There also will be a movie in the park at 9 p.m., followed by the lighting of Chinese lanterns at 10:30 p.m. (available for purchase at Hannam Park).
The parade, which Bowman promised will be bigger than ever, will be held Saturday at 11 a.m., going from Heritage Square to Hannam Park.
Activities that afternoon at Hannam Park include train rides, a water balloon slingshot, and, according to Bowman, double the number of inflatables as last year (with some having water features, as well).
Also new this year, the Métis Nation of Ontario will be hosting activities (jigging and spoons) from noon-2 p.m. on Saturday.
River tour boat rides, the C.W.L. luncheon, and the Women’s Institute tea also will take place Saturday afternoon.
A steak dinner, with all the trimmings, will follow from 5-7 p.m. at the Rainy River Legion (tickets for that cost $17 each).
Also new this year is a dance, featuring music by Maverick, taking place on the tennis courts outside the rec centre from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. on Saturday.
Ticket cost $10 each, with admission being age of majority only.
A non-denominational church service will be held Sunday at 10 a.m. in Hannam Park, then Knox United Church will host a come-and-go tea from 2-4 p.m.
Admission is a free-will offering.
And the always-popular cardboard boat races will take place Sunday at 3 p.m. at Hannam Park.
Those wishing to participate will need to register there at 1 p.m.
Bowman said they’re still looking for committee members and other volunteers to help out during the weekend at the bouncy castles and beer gardens, or selling wristbands.
Everyone is encouraged to participate in the celebrations this weekend.
And with so much going on, there is bound to be something for everyone!
