Staging the second Labour Day celebration after a 10-year absence, the Fort Frances and District Labour Council saw a good crowd turn out for Monday’s event although it didn’t match last year’s numbers.
Kicking off with a pancake breakfast hosted by NDP leader and local MPP Howard Hampton on Saturday, things really got into gear Monday when about 100 people–young and old alike–showed up to watch the parade and have lunch at Pither’s Point Park.
“I’d say the parade was more successful last year but we did a better job with people attending the actual picnic this time,” noted labour council president Dale Gustafson.
“We have lots more volunteers for the food and the kids’ games, and I’m sure the horseshoe tournament has been a hit once again,” he added.
Besides the parade, which went from the Sorting Gap Marina to Pither’s Point led by the Legion colour party and the Fort Frances Highlanders, the afternoon was packed with family activities, including a luncheon and tug of war.
While many volunteers cooked up a roast corn and hot dog meal, a rivalry was rekindled as CEP Locals 306 and 92 competed in the tug of war, which was taken by Local 92 last year.
“Local 306 recaptured the trophy this year–we’ve regained our stature there,” affirmed Gustafson, a member of CEP 306.
“It’s all in the spirit of labour. We’ll be back to do it again,” grinned Bill Hammond over his lunch.
Other attending union members included those of CEP Local 49, CUPE 65 and 795, OSSTF, ETFO, and several OPSEU chapters.
As usual, the event was highlighted by the presentation of plaques to the Labour Person and Safety Person of the Year, which this year went to teachers Sharon Preston and Pat Basaraba respectively.
“I didn’t expect it,” Basaraba said shortly after receiving her award.
“I’ve done the training and found it interesting–not just in my own job but recognizing what other people in other jobs go through,” she added. “It’s fascinating.”
Preston’s award was accepted by Gary Gamsby. “She deserves it,” he said. “She’s helped a lot with the teachers going through the amalgamation and other rough spots.”
In related news, the annual Labour Day horseshoe tourney, organized by Gord Calder, was another success. “We had a lot of compliments from the guys. They really enjoyed it,” Calder remarked.
The team of Wally Hill and Whitey Christiansen took top honours, getting their names inscribed on a trophy, while Roger Williams and Gordon Savella placed second.
The duo of Jim Zsen and Calder came third. Cash prizes for all three winning teams were donated by the local Legion.
Labour Day events were sponsored by Canada Safeway and the district labour council.