Service clubs support many district activities

Service clubs have played an important historic role in Fort Frances. Through the support of the Kiwanis Club, the drama and musical festivals flourished. The Kiwanis Club of Fort Frances recognized district 4-H clubs and their members annually.
The Fort Frances Rotary Club assisted in the development of the Rotary Park in Fort Frances and the placing of trees and shelters along the river in Fort Frances. Perhaps the Rotary Club is best remembered for their annual Santa Claus Parade in Fort Frances.
The Kinsmen and Kinnettes were responsible for raising funds and building the Indoor Swimming Pool in Fort Frances. They also supported the Kinsmen Park by purchasing equipment. The Kinsmen Club is also remembered for their role in beginning the construction of Fort St. Pierre in Fort Frances.
The Fort Frances Jaycees established in the late 1930’s began promoting Fort Frances and the district at Sport Shows in the United States. They were instrumental in building the Welcome to Canada Sign that extended across Church Street at Central Avenue. Later they created a great Canada Day celebration in Fort Frances.
The Lions Club, which came later to Fort Frances, has established the Lion’s Park, scholarships, and offered other services to Fort Frances. They helped establish the Fort Frances Museum.
The Fort Frances Royal Canadian Legion annually was the hosts for the Canada Day Parade.
All the service clubs of the community and many Church groups supported community Festivals primarily on the week of July 1.
When the town hired its first Economic Development Officer, Jim Toews, the first task that he gave to himself was to develop a weeklong community festival. It became known as Fun in the Sun. The first years saw competition of flour packing, canoe racing, log rolling bathtub races, Miss Fun in the Sun and other activities. He found national sponsors for events and helped coordinate activities by matching competitions and activities with local service clubs.
Jim also tried to organize a winter carnival. The most successful years of the winter carnival occurred with the carnival being organized by the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce.
Jim is remembered for bringing the fire tower to Fort Frances and his attempt to have the SS Kenora brought to Fort Frances from Selkirk Manitoba as a Tourism attraction.
Political conditions changed and the role of Economic Development officer changed in the community.
Today, under the leadership of Pam Hawley, the Fort Frances Museum has provided leadership in building and improving tourist and learning attractions in the community.
Bill Boulton who was hired by the Rendezvous Trail Association of the Rainy River district as the executive director, worked to establish the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship. The board went out on the hook to acquire the events tent that has been used for hosting community events across the district.
When provincial funding for the Rendezvous Trail Association disappeared, the Rainy River Future Development Corporation took over the maintenance, and renting of the tent. A volunteer board and Corporation was established to run the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship.
Today, only the Lions’ Clubs and Kiwanis Club remain in Fort Frances. The other service organizations have disappeared.
Fun in the Sun became a volunteer organization and its celebrations struggled to find volunteers. This year the week long festival became a single day celebrating Canada Day.
The other volunteer organization, The Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship struggles to find volunteers and coordinate year round business activities. The organization has taken steps to reduce the number of volunteers required to organize the week’s activities.
Fun in the Sun, Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship are not unique. Similar volunteer issues are found everywhere.
The Fort Frances Curling Club at one time attracted 132 teams for the Men’s Bonspiel and 96 teams for the women’s bonspiel. Today fewer than half those numbers compete in those bonspiels.
Huge tournaments involving slow pitch, fastball and liniment league baseball occurred weekly across the district.
Curling and fastball, golf filled hotels/motels, restaurants and bars.
The establishment of permanent Powwow grounds at Rainy River Fist Nation, Nigigoosiminikaaning, and other first nations across the district adds a powerful cultural attraction to the district, attracting dancers and spectators and friends together which builds the economy.
The successful development of the Fort Frances Sportsplex has been a financial economic development success for the Town of Fort Frances.
Today through the course of the winter there is a minor hockey tournament almost every weekend in Fort Frances. Figure Skating attracts our of area skaters for testing as does swimming for competition. Minor hockey, figure skating, swimming competitions fill hotels and restaurants with families and generate revenue for the community.
Fun in the Sun, and now the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship fill hotel rooms and restaurants in the summer and generate economic stimulus to the community. An economic impact study estimates that the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship contributes up to $2 million in economic stimulus to the community
Across the district, Emo has generated excitement and business through their Spring Fever Days, Walleye Tournament, Emo and District Fall Fair and their Holly Days celebration.
Rainy River has its Pumpkin Festival, Railroad Days and walleye tournament that attracts people to the community.
All of these activities bring visitors into our communities who spend money and stimulate the economy. All add to the vibrancy and diversity of the district. All add to the quality of life in the district
Today many successful attractions are dependent on paid staff to organize and coordinate activities across the district. Should councils across the district play a greater role in supporting and growing the tournaments, and festivals that create economic stimulus to the district?