The first day of 2003 brings with it more than just a new year, it also is the first day of Fort Frances’ centennial celebrations that will extend until next April.
And according to centennial co-ordinator Marla Simpson, people are beginning to get interested in the activities.
“It’s been difficult around Christmas to get people interested and to advertise, but I think now that Christmas is over, people are focusing on something else,” she noted yesterday.
One of the events that’s attracted the most interest so far has been the beard-growing contest.
“We’ve had quite a lot of interest on that,” Simpson said. “We got a call from someone in British Columbia that’s coming in for it. He’s coming here in April and will grow it there.
“It’s spreading for sure.”
Meanwhile, the Great Centennial New Year’s Day Levee will begin tomorrow (Jan. 1) at 1:30 p.m. at the Memorial Sports Centre, where there will be music, free refreshments like apple cider and hot chocolate, and a New Year’s birthday bash celebrating Fort Frances residents born on Jan. 1 (so bring along your birth certificate).
It also will offer a chance for the more than two dozen participants in tomorrow’s “Polar Plunge” on Sand Bay to warm up.
“Not this year,” Simpson replied when asked if she was participating in the plunge. “Maybe next year.”
Also at the levee, residents will be able to find out what centennial activities have been scheduled to date. Colouring stations will be set up for kids and centennial calendars will be available, said Simpson.
The mayor and town councillors will be on hand for the festivities and to serve eggnog.
“There will be an official toast to the centennial year by the mayor,” Simpson noted.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
