Nicholas Donaldson
Rainy River once again hosted a jam-packed weekend for its annual “Railroad Daze” celebration, now in its 30th year.
Beginning with a “Paint and Sip” on Thursday evening and finishing up with a home run contest Sunday afternoon, the event featured something for everyone.
“I think it was absolutely fantastic,” said Rainy River Coun. Pat White, who filled in for Mayor Deb Ewald over the weekend.
“We are a small town with not many people-but families came in and people came home for it, so it was a good turnout,” she noted.
Coun. White said she could see the support from everyone all weekend, like those who took part in Saturday morning’s parade.
“We had the Highlanders and the Legion, of course,” she noted.
“And with the size of the parade and the kids on the street, I would say it was a good crowd.”
The parade went from Heritage Square, down Fourth Street to Hannam Park, where games and activities were set up for the kids, along with food, Métis activities, and river boat rides.
“There was a tremendous set-up at the park for the kids with all of those inflatable toys, some with water on them,” said Coun. White.
In fact, so many people turned out to Hannam Park that the kiosk was starting to run out of food Saturday afternoon, she noted.
“The baseball tournament was also run really well, and there were a lot of cars at the rec centre all weekend,” Coun. White added.
Other “Railroad Daze” events included the book sale at the library, a movie in the park, a steak dinner at the Legion, an outdoor dance Saturday night, and a non-denominational church service Sunday morning at Hannam Park.
Coun. White said she was very thankful for the volunteers and all the work everyone did to organize the many activities going on around Rainy River.
“We are a small town but we had a lot of fun,” she enthused.
“I would call that a success.”
