Legion Park visitors here caught a rare glimpse of natural beauty on Sunday as 100 Monarch butterflies fluttered to freedom after being released in memory of loved ones during the Rainy River District Palliative Care Volunteers’ second-annual butterfly release.
Although, this year’s event didn’t boast the numbers organizers had hoped for it was still another great success for the group, said volunteer co-ordinator Jennifer Anderson.
“I didn’t have high expectations for the new date so, I’m just happy we finally got our butterflies and everyone is having a good time,” she admitted,
Initially, the release was scheduled for July 20, but had to be re-scheduled because the butterflies got lost during shipment.
“I think the butterfly company felt bad about that, so they sent us more butterflies than we ordered as an apology,” she said.
While Sunday’s release saw only about 20 adults come out to the release, Anderson said about three dozen butterflies were pre-ordered by people, but they were unable to set them free because of prior commitments on the new date.
“A later date just didn’t work for a lot of people, so I told people we’d let them go for them,” she said.
For first-time attendees, Maxine Plumridge and Ann Ostby the afternoon proved to be magical and one they want to relive.
Lured by curiosity, the pair decided to see what all the hype was about, Plumbridge noted.
“We really wanted to know how they released them, and it wasn’t at all what I was expecting,” Plumridge said. “It’s really neat, and quite witty how they are packaged,” she noted,
The butterflies come individually packaged in a triangular white container that keeps the light out, which keeps them in a docile state while in transit. Once opened they slowly wake, and fly away.
“Only two didn’t make it, which is remarkable when you consider it, they come all this way and are packaged up,” Ostby said.
There are always a couple sick ones in a bunch, but for the most part they’re healthy, and don’t stick around long, Anderson noted.
“It was a lovely way to spend an afternoon because I don’t get out much anymore,” Ostby said.
The event seems to be growing in popularity because people called in advance to order, Anderson noted.
“I was happy to get calls from people wanting to support our cause before I even started advertising the release this year, it was a pleasant surprise,” she added.
Anderson started the tradition on behalf of the local Palliative Care volunteers last summer when the group was looking for a different way to raise funds.
“I thought because the butterfly is our symbol it would bring an extra special meaning to the event, and it would be the first release of its kind in the area,” she said.
A butterfly release was also planned for Rainy River on Saturday, but didn’t happen because of bad weather, and lack of adoption interest.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
