Perhaps there is no better indicator in Rainy River District that winter is finally behind us than the annual extravaganza known as Spring Fever Days.
For three days, Emo becomes the social centre of Borderland and this year was no exception.
Even Mother Nature co-operated as the little town on the Rainy River opened its doors to all last week. And judging by the number of people hustling about, attendance was at least as good as in previous years.
Spring Fever Days officially kicked off last Thursday, but Saturday was when things really heated up.
The day began with breakfast at the Christian Reformed Church, where 45 members of Girls Everywhere Meeting the Saviour (GEMS) served up pancakes and sausages with smiles and good cheer.
The service was strictly five-star and at $3 a plate, it made for a perfect way to begin a long day around town. The breakfast also raised about $300 for church activities.
Of course, there were other places to refuel after all the walking around. From 10 a.m.-3 p.m., for instance, hotdogs and pop were available at the Emo-La Vallee Community Centre, sponsored by the Emo Public Library.
Down on Front Street, meanwhile, the Friends of the Emo Recreational Council was serving up chili and a bun for $3. That venture put $270 into the coffers.
And over at Cloverleaf, Fort High students held a car wash and barbecue to raise money for the 2004 “chem-free” grad party in June. Student rep Doug Judson said the combined activities raised nearly $600—thanks in part to Cloverleaf ShopEasy, which donated the hotdogs and pop.
If you felt the need to work off those calories, the five-km Healthy Community Coalition walk/run was just the ticket. Fifty-two people, including Emo Reeve Russ Fortier, completed the jaunt along the picturesque waterfront.
Tompkins Hardware once again was the centre of activity on Front Street, where the minnow races proved to be a popular hit with the younger crowd.
This year’s winner was Elizabeth Romaniuk of Kenora, who took home a brand new skateboard—and the winning minnow.
If that wasn’t enough to run you off your feet, there was an arts and crafts display at the Emo Legion, a bake sale at the old post office, and lots of good deals as most merchants offered discounts on a variety of items.
Up on the main highway, a petting zoo was set up outside the Circle-D restaurant, where the Inkster family had their friendly menagerie on display. This also proved to be a big hit with the little ones and their parents.
At the Emo arena, Nestor Falls Marine once again had a dazzling array of new boats and boating equipment to tempt the eye.
And in case you still felt the need to feed, the Off Lake Church held a bake sale while Friends of the Library had hotdogs and smokies for sale just inside the door.
If you had any concerns about how much all that indulgence was affecting you, the Canadian Diabetes Society had an information booth set up, where you could have your blood sugar checked in a matter of seconds.
If you weren’t in the market for a new boat, there was a book sale as well as displays by the Whisky Jack Carvers and Ministry of Natural Resources.
Everywhere in town, it seemed, you could purchase raffle tickets for gift certificates from Emo businesses. Joan Hughes of Emo was the big winner of $500 worth of certificates.
Brian McCabe of Fort Frances took the second prize of $300 in gift certificates while Brian Major of Morson won $250.
Meanwhile, Wes Friesen of Emo was the lucky winner of a weekend for four at the Little Moose Lodge north of Emo.
Sales also were brisk in the raffle for a brand new boat, motor, and trailer package on display on Front Street outside Tompkins’ Hardware. Tickets cost $10 each and are still available.
The winner will be drawn during the Emo Walleye Classic on May 29.
Tickets also were on sale for a cedar lawn furniture package from Kish Gon Dug at Naicatchewenin First Nation, to be drawn on Mother’s Day. Proceeds from that will go to the 4-H Club.
In addition, Friends of the Emo-La Vallee Community Centre were selling tickets for $5 to raise money for a new Zamboni machine.
The holder of that winning ticket, also to be drawn on Mother’s Day, will receive $100 a week for a year or $4,000 in cash up front.
The Friends of the Emo Toy Library were selling tickets for yet another raffle – this one to be drawn on May 7. First prize here is dinner for two at the Emo Inn, second prize is a massage from the Essential Health Massage, third prize is a manicure from the Hair and Body Care Shoppe, and fourth prize is a plant and tea or coffee with pastry from Cloverleaf.
And just so dear old dad doesn’t feel left out, tickets were on sale for a Mosquito Magnet, courtesy of Tompkins Hardware. The winning ticket for that one will be drawn on Father’s Day (June 13).
But perhaps the highlight of Spring Fever Days was the annual “Cuts for Cancer” fundraiser staged by the Hair and Body Care Shoppe, which this year donated all proceeds from Saturday’s business to Stephanie Hawkins of Emo in her ongoing battle with bladder cancer.
As well, pledges poured in to five volunteers who had their heads shaved at 4 p.m. Hair and Body Care Shoppe owner Stacy Kreger said the total take came to more than $6,500.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
