Staff
Local residents wanting to get out of the house to celebrate Canada’s birthday are in luck as the “Canada Day Celebrations Committee” has lined up quite a few activities for families to see and do here tomorrow.
“We’re very excited with all the different events and activities taking place this year,” said committee member Dawn Booth.
“Considering just six weeks ago, we weren’t even sure we were going to continue as a committee, the schedule we have now is pretty exciting—probably one of the best line-ups we’ve had in a few years,” she enthused.
“We certainly encourage everyone to come out, show their Canadian pride, [and] support Canada Day and the new Canada Day Celebrations Committee!”
Canada Day will kick off with the local Legion ladies’ pancake breakfast from 7-10 a.m. at the Legion.
The cost is $6 for adults and $3 for children five and under.
Meanwhile, a 4-on-4 beach volleyball tournament will run from 8 a.m.-9 p.m. out at Pither’s Point.
To enter a team, contact Amy Wilson-Hands at 274-9045 or momma_wils@hotmail.com or Sarah Gould at 274-2326 or serav4@hotmail.com
The Canada Rocks Fort Frances Canada Day parade will begin at 11 a.m.
It will start at the Shevlin wood yard and proceed westward on Front Street to Victoria Avenue, ending at the St. Mary’s Church parking lot.
There also will be ice cream for kids immediately following the parade, courtesy of the local Legion.
For those entering floats, keep in mind that the parade lineup/judging starts at 10 a.m. at the Shevlin wood yard.
Boston Pizza gift cards will be given out to the top three floats.
To register a float, contact Booth at 274-1843 or via e-mail at dawnbooth@sympatico.ca
While on the waterfront, why not check out the heritage tourism sites, like the Hallett and lookout tower? These will be open from 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
As well, the Fort Frances Museum will be open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., where people can pick up information to go on a Canada Day scavenger hunt.
Kids also can get a Maple Leaf painted on their face at all three locations.
Back over at Pither’s Point, organizers of the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship’s “Daytime Land” will be providing a variety of arts, crafts, fun, and games for kids from noon-5 p.m.
Activities will include a “Bobber” colouring contest, “Pass the Bass” (hot potato), minnow races, a Frisbee competition (get a free Frisbee during the parade), water balloons, and more.
And while there, check out the food booths set up by Zion Lutheran Church, St. John’s Anglican Church, “Hot Doggie,” and the Ice Cream Guys (others may be added to the lineup).
There also will be a 50/50 Bingo at Pither’s Point from noon-5 p.m. (must be 18 years or older to play).
From noon-6 p.m., Outlast Laser Sports laser tag will offers hours of fun for kids of all ages at Pither’s Point (the grassy area near the volleyball courts).
Meanwhile, the Canada Day Celebrations Committee will be selling Canada Day LED light-up balloons at Pither’s Point all day (and along the waterfront around the time of the fireworks).
These will be sold for $3 each or two for $5.
To place an advance order, call Booth at 274-1843 or e-mail dawnbooth@sympatico.ca
Yet another activity on Canada Day will be the Energy Fitness 1K kids’ run, which will take place from 12:30-1 p.m.
It is open to kids aged two-13, with bandanas, medals, and Freezies for the first 60 entrants.
Then from 12:30-5 p.m., the Riverside Foundation for Health Care will selling its Canada Day Cash Lottery tickets at a booth at Pither’s Point.
Tickets are $20 each, three for $50, or seven for $100.
Buy a ticket and get cookies and coffee for free (or pay $1 for cookies and coffee).
The draw will take place at the Harbourage Restaurant during the fireworks.
The Fort Frances Lakers’ hockey team also will have a booth at Pither’s Point from 12:30-5 p.m., where they will be giving out information and selling raffle tickets.
From 1-5 p.m., Miss Teen Northwestern Ontario Felicia Schmutz will have a booth, where she will be providing information about the Miss Teen Canada-World competition and her fundraising for “Free the Children.”
As well, the Christian Motorcycle Club Chapter 811 (“The Frozen Chosen”) will have a display from 1-5 p.m., where they will give out information about their club and free water.
The Canada Kidz Karaoke Challenge will run from 1-2 p.m. under the tent. Open to kids aged three-12, there is a $5 entry fee (payable before singing).
The “Get Outta The Shower! Come Sing for the Crowd!” karaoke challenge then will follow from 2-4 p.m.
Open to everyone age 13 years and older, the entry fee is $5 (again payable before singing).
Cash prizes for first, second, and third place will be awarded in both challenges.
Call Sandra at 274-2524 for more information or to pre-register.
A Canada Day tradition here, the horseshoe tournament will be run from 1-3 p.m. at the horseshoe pits. Call Gord Calder to register (274-5493).
The Canada Day Celebrations Committee will be giving out free cupcakes from 1-4 p.m. at the kids’ area and under the Bingo tent.
Finally, the infamous Great Canadian Bathtub Races will return, with action to run from 3:30-5 p.m. on Sand Bay.
For more info or to enter, call Al Boivin at 274-6381.
Canada Day will be capped off with the fireworks display at Seven Oaks, which will start around 10 p.m. after the playing of the national anthem.
To get the most up-to-date schedule of events, join the Facebook group, “Canada Rocks Fort Frances 2010.”
