A local committee is working on resurrecting a winter carnival here, and is looking for ideas, volunteers, and funds to make it a reality.
“Wild” Bill O’Leary, Geoff Gillon of the Rainy River Future Development Corp., Doug Cain, and other community members met at the Civic Centre last night to discuss dates, activities, and funding.
O’Leary said the proposed name of the event is “Fort Frances Li’l Amik Winter Carnival 2005,” with tentative dates set for Feb. 24-27.
Some of the proposed activities include skiing and sliding at the Little Beaver Snow Park, bowling, broomball, skating, and kids’ games.
O’Leary said there’s also been talk about holding a snowshoe race, and possibly curling.
The proposed location for the bulk of the activities is the St. Francis Sportsfield, but organizers still need approval from town council.
The idea first came up during a conversation with Mayor Dan Onichuk last year, said O’Leary, who has worked on winter carnivals in the past through the local Chamber of Commerce and thought it was time to revive the concept.
“We came up with the idea together,” he said.
A number of local businesses have agreed to participate, but O’Leary said the committee always is looking for more help—and more ideas.
“This is open for suggestions. We’re looking for people to come onboard,” he noted.
For example, the committee is looking for someone to organize a road hockey tournament, O’Leary said. Volunteers of all kinds will be welcome.
The group still is working on costs and fundraising, but noted any donations from local businesses would be welcome.
The committee’s next meeting is set for Tuesday, Jan. 25 at 7 p.m. downstairs at the Civic Centre. Anyone interested in helping out is welcome to attend.
Anyone wishing to contribute to the carnival also can call O’Leary at 274-2219.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
