Hannam Park on the Riverfront in Rainy River is one of the prettiest, people-friendly locations along the Rainy River Valley. Hannam, who the Park is named for, came to Rainy River from England as a child. After being gassed in WWI he returned to Rainy River with his bride. Hannam’s war injuries led to his early death in 1943, but through much of his later life he was dedicated to cleaning up the river bank between 2nd and 4th Avenue. It was an obsession to Hannam, as was his adopted motto, “the world moves forward on the feet of little children”, which is the current motto of the Park. In 1940, the Town and the Chamber of Commerce undertook the development of the Riverfront and dedicated the park to Hannam’s memory and vision.
Hannam Park, owned and operated by the Town of Rainy River, now stretches on the Rainy River waterfront along River St from 1st thru 6th Ave. It features a full service campground c/w electrical & water hook ups, washroom and shower facilities, two boat launches, a trailer sanitary sewer dump, a large paved lot that each September hosts the RRWT, boat slips, a large dock with a covered pavilion, and a canteen. But one of the most friendly and well used sections is the playground with a wading pool/splash pad,beach, swimming dock, swings, monkey bars, slides, and the 4006 model train. It is truly a kids paradise that every summer day is overrun by dozens of youngsters.
Supporting the upkeep, modernization and expansion of this amazing resource is the mission of People for Hannam Park. They look after beautification of Hannam Park and fund raise to sponsor various projects from gardening to beach enhancement, to promoting festivals.
The current festival People for Hannam Park are busy planning is RIBFEST, its second celebration hosting folks from across the Valley to meet and enjoy our waterfront. This year, Ribfest is scheduled for Sunday, September 12 with the meal being served at 5 pm. In past years live music featuring local entertainers was an added attraction, but time and Covid are making that component more problematic and music may be limited, but we are working on it. But supper will kick off at 5 p.m., with a half slab of delicious smoked pork ribs, baked potatoes, beans and coleslaw. Grill master Wolfman (Marty) Kreger is lending his legendary smoking barbecue skills to RIBFEST to tickle everyone’s appetite. For $20.00 either on site or takeout is offered. For reservations call or text (807) 271-0007. The Hannam Park Canteen will also be open if you require some other fare, a cold drink or a soft serve ice cream. Dining will be under the BIG Tent which is being set up the week before for the upcoming RRWT so the event can go rain or shine.
So plan on Sunday, September 12 for a mouth watering break to celebrate the end of summer in Rainy River. Bring the kids and grandkids and let them tear around Hannam Park to their heart’s content. You folks who have grown old, but haven’t grown up can join right in.
