‘Project Petunia’ launched

After launching its annual beautification program, “Project Petunia,” on Friday afternoon at Robin’s Donuts here, the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce is well on its way to having a full slate of sponsors for flower baskets.
“We didn’t have as many people at the launch as we did last year, but we’ve actually got more sponsors already this year,” Chamber office manager Dawn Booth said Monday.
“We had a few people who dropped off sponsorship forms in advance,” she noted. “From the launch, I think we got about 15 new sponsors.
“We had 14 last year, so that’s a good thing.
“I don’t know exactly how many sponsors we have in total because I haven’t added up the list of who is renewed from last year, and who has to renew yet,” Booth added.
“But we’re definitely well on our way of reaching 75 sponsors.”
Booth stressed it’s not too late to be a sponsor, and that those wanting to support the beautification program can pick up sponsorship forms at the Chamber office at 474 Scott St. (across from Safeway) or get them online at fortfranceschamber.com
The cost is $50 per year, with sponsors able to commit for a period of one-five years at a time if they choose. Some businesses and organizations also are multiple sponsors.
Multi-year sponsors can pay their total donation up front or be billed annually.
Beyond just wanting to help beautify the town, some people sponsor the program in memory of loved ones or in lieu of giving a gift to someone.
Booth said sponsors should know that money donated does not go towards a specific basket or planter, but towards the cost of the program as a whole.
The Chamber will be hanging 64 baskets in June to brighten up the stretch of King’s Highway from Tim Hortons to Central Avenue, then up Central Avenue to the Ontario Tourism Centre, as well as in the “gateway” area of town on Church Street and Mowat Avenue.
About 20 planters also will put out on the traffic islands at Central Avenue and further west, as well as two more in front of the Chamber office on Scott Street.