The Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce’s annual Home & Leisure Show is coming up April 27-28 at the Memorial Sports Centre will have several new features this year, including two photo contests.
The first is the “Cutest Puppy Contest,” where dog owners can enter photos of their pooches for a chance to win a huge gift basket of puppy treats and toys.
Organizer Kerry Dittaro said only the first 20 entries will be accepted, and they must be turned in at the Chamber office (across from Safeway) prior to the Friday, April 20 deadline, along with a $5 entry fee.
Despite the name of the contest, Dittaro stressed the contest is open to dogs of all ages and breeds. “If someone thinks they’re cute, they’re allowed in,” she noted.
Once she gets all the entries in, Dittaro then will arrange the 20 photos in a display that will be put out at the home and leisure show.
Using a voting box on loan from Beta Sigma Phi, those who come to the show then will vote on the photographs of the dogs. Voters can put in whatever amount of money they want, with the dog that brings in the most money winning.
A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Fort Frances Friends of Animals.
Dittaro, a self-proclaimed dog lover, said she originally wanted to have a contest where people actually brought their canine companions to the trade show for judging, but the idea didn’t make it past the Chamber board.
“We thought it might deter people from coming,” she conceded. “Whether it was dogs fighting or doing their doggie business on the floor, it might create some interesting situations.
The second is an amateur photo contest, where area shutterbugs can enter pictures in three categories: home and leisure, the great outdoors, and “for kids only” (a category for district children aged 13 and under).
The deadline to enter also is next Friday (April 20). All entries will be on display at the home and leisure show.
Prizes will be up for grabs in each category.
Besides a slew of exhibitors, other attractions at this year’s home and leisure show will include outdoors columnist Gord Ellis, who is scheduled to hold separate workshops on fishing and outdoor photography.
A children’s area featuring performances by “Grandpa Magic,” a penny auction, and various draws, raffles, free samples, and demonstrations also are planned.
In related news, there still are some spots open for exhibitors at the home and leisure show, as well as opportunities for volunteers and sponsors to get involved.
Any individuals or businesses interested in doing any of these things is encouraged to call the Chamber office at 274-5773 or drop by in person.
The trade show is scheduled to run Friday, April 27 from noon-9 p.m. and again Saturday, April 28 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
