Spanning a full week, “Fun in the Sun” committee member Laurie Beadle said this year’s summer celebration will be bigger and better than any in recent memory.
“There’s a lot more events,” she enthused Tuesday. “We have more marching bands in the parade, and there’s lots of things for kids, and families in general, to do.
“After all, our theme is ‘Just for Kids,’” she added.
FITS kicks off June 24 at noon with an opening ceremony held in conjunction with Culturama. The event, staged by the Rainy Lake Multicultural Association, will feature six different acts, as well as offering up a variety of different foods for sale.
The annual Mini-Queen contest also will be held during that afternoon.
On June 25, people are encouraged to get out and golf for a good cause in the Brain Injury Services fundraiser at Kitchen Creek. Cost is $50 to enter, which golfers can do by calling Steve at the pro shop (274-4653) or Rita (274-7476).
That evening, the talent portion of the Miss Fun in the Sun pageant is slated for 6:30 at the Townshend Theatre. Vying for the crown are Amy Flatt, Nicole Jewell, Natalie Lundon, Shailynn McMahon, Nicole Rogozinski, and Alexis Vandetti.
Something new to FITS this year is an international tug-of-war sponsored by Abitibi-Consolidated.
“Basically, we want businesses to challenge their U.S. rivals in this great big tug-of-war,” said Beadle. “There’s an 1,800 ft. rope which will be stretched across the river.”
The tug-of-war will take place June 28 at 6:30 p.m. at the Sorting Gap Marina. Businesses are encouraged to register by contacting Leigh Ann Cameron at 274-5341.
The celebration really heats up June 29 with the BIA’s “Mall Days.” With everything from an inflatable slide and a bun-throwing contest to a scavenger hunt and loonie find, kids will find much to do while their parents enjoy the sidewalk sales.
A 50/50 bingo also will be held downtown that afternoon. And at 7 p.m., “Canada Day Quest” and “Kiddie Quest” will serve up a one-two musical punch on the floor of the new ice surface.
Tickets cost $10 each, which are available at the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce, Makabi Inn, and Causeway Pontiac-Buick-GMC.
Then youngsters are encouraged to bring their teddy bears to the Fort Frances Public Library’s annual “Teddy Bear Picnic” on June 30 starting at 11:30 a.m.
Admission is $3, with tickets now available at the children’s department there. Kids also are reminded to bring along a sandwich and blanket, and get ready for two hours of stories, games, and a little “TLC”–Teddy Loving Care.
“And July 1 is ‘the big day,’” said Beadle, noting Canada Day celebrations start off with a pancake breakfast at the Legion at 7 a.m. Admission is $4 for adults and $2 for children 12 and under.
The Canada Day parade will get rolling at 11 a.m., beginning at the Heritage Depot and moving down Scott Street to the Memorial Sports Centre.
Then the action moves to Pither’s Point Park, where the Fort Frances Day Care will hold games and activities for children from noon to 2 p.m. Kids also should keep an eye open for “Franklin the Turtle.”
Besides several food booths and yet another 50/50 bingo, everyone will want to check out the FITS Queen picnic basket auction at 1 p.m. and then the crowning at 2 p.m. at La Place Rendez-Vous.
A professional water-ski show will be held on Sand Bay starting shortly after 2 p.m.
Al Boivin once again is organizing bathtub races on July 1. Those wanting more information or to enter should contact him at 274-6381 (evenings).
Entry fee is $20, and racing is tentatively slated for 3:30 p.m.
And what would Canada Day be without the fireworks display at Pither’s Point at dusk (around 10 p.m.)
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
