Nicholas Donaldson
The Shops on Scott (BIA) are inviting businesses and organizations to participate in its downtown community event set for the end of June.
Formerly known as “Mall Days,” this year’s event is being revamped in celebration of Canada’s 150th anniversary.
The event will take place Thursday, June 29, with a back-up date of Friday, June 30 in case of bad weather.
It will begin at 11 a.m. and continue on into the evening, depending on the interest and participation.
Organizers are planning to block off the 100, 200, and 300 blocks of Scott Street for the event, though that hinges on the number of spaces they can fill.
“We are going to be doing our best to get invitations to groups who may be interested in participating,” said Nathalie Donaldson, who is helping to organize the event.
“But if we forget you, please contact us,” she stressed.
To sign up and reserve a space on the street, groups are asked to e-mail downtownfortfrances@hotmail.com, message the “Downtown Fort Frances” Facebook page, or see Jennifer Horton at Curvy Chick.
The invitation also is open for anyone in the community to set up a booth.
“We just want everyone to come out to a Canada-themed celebration that shows off local businesses and services,” said Horton.
The event will be similar to the “Market Thursdays” that take place on Scott Street each week during the summer–and vendors will be out in full force.
But Donaldson also noted the event is about getting the entire community involved.
“We would like to invite any and all town organizations, First Nations’ organizations, local businesses, and any local services that could use this opportunity to advertise,” she remarked.
She added any home-based businesses, bands/buskers, food vendors, clubs, teams, and committees also are welcome to set up.
Anyone who signs up can run activities, raise funds, or present information to the community about a group or cause.
“This is an opportunity for businesses and other groups that are not on the street to be seen by a wide audience,” Donaldson explained.
“We want it to go back to the way it was when ‘Mall Days’ was a huge event,” echoed Horton.
The committee also is looking for any farmers who may be interested in bringing some animals downtown for the event.
As part of the “Canada 150” theme and celebration, all downtown businesses will be encouraged to create window displays and decorate their building fronts to show Canadian pride.
A Canada-themed poster contest also will be held for four age groups, including adults.
Posters can be dropped off at Causeway Insurance, with the artist’s name, age, and contact information on the back so prizes can be awarded in the various categories.
The Shops on Scott are aware the Rainy Lake Square construction will be taking place during the event.
But it won’t let that stop the celebration, and is fully prepared to work around the construction to stage an engaging community event.
