100 people sought to renew citizenship

With a citizenship court slated for April 11 at 1 p.m. at the Civic Centre, it will be time once again for newcomers to Canada to join the community.
But as something special for the town’s centennial year, centennial co-ordinator Marla Simpson is hoping to get 100 local residents to come out for the ceremony and renew their Canadian citizenship.
“It’s the centennial year, so we want to do something big—something fit for the centennial celebration,” she said yesterday. “And for those who are new to Canada, I think it will make it more special for them.
“It shows we’re a cultural community.”
Simpson noted nine new citizens are lined up to be sworn in that day, and there’s been a few phone calls from local residents also interested in taking the oath.
Those residents interested in renewing their citizenship are encouraged to contact Simpson before the March 15 deadline. She can be reached at the Fort Frances Museum (274-7891).
The citizenship court will be followed by a reception with refreshments.
Simpson reminded readers that later that day (April 11), a re-creation of the inaugural council meeting and the judging of the centennial beard-growing contest will be held at the Townshend Theatre.
The Fort Frances Highlanders will kick things off with some pipes and drums starting at 6:30 p.m., followed by the swearing in of the 1903 and 2003 councils (the former being portrayed by Fort Frances Little Theatre members).
This will be followed by a skit by Little Theatre, during which the 1903-08 council minutes will be reviewed and issues comparable between 1903 and 2003 (property standards, roads, Front Street, etc.) will be discussed in character.
The re-enactment will be followed by a cake-cutting ceremony and a toast to the centennial year in the Fort Frances High School cafeteria.
The evening also will kick off a ladies’ hat contest—a contest for the women of Fort Frances which will run from April through June.
Refreshments, local entertainment, and programs sealed with wax will be offered, as well.
And tickets for the “Great Centennial Ball” slated for April 12 are now on sale at the Fort Frances Public Library. Tickets for the dinner/dance cost $50, with a $25 tax receipt.
The gala gets underway with cocktails at 6 p.m., followed by a grand march at 6:45 and then dinner at 7.
The dinner will be catered by Kathy Cuthbertson while the hall will be decorated by Linda Lovisa. And In Focus Photography will be on hand to take “prom-style” photos, said Simpson.
A dance will follow until 1 a.m., featuring music by the Borderland Orchestra and Paul Severson and Friends.
Turn-of-the-century dress is encouraged, which can be rented at Masquerade here as well as arranged through local seamstress Judy Tucker.
Patterns for period clothes also are available at Betty’s for those handy with the sewing machine.