It is party time!

Ken Johnston

The town is beautified, the big tent will soon be up and all that is left to do is party!
Rainy River’s 100th Birthday celebrations kick into high gear Thursday morning when a full day of activities are planned starting with an antiques appraisal at the United Church that runs all day.
Rainy River High School will unveil a special exhibit entitled “Our History in Photos” that will be open to the public most of the weekend.
After lunch the annual Senior’s picnic will take place on the lawn at the Senior’s Activity Depot. Music, featuring Hwy. 621, and refreshments will be the highlights.
A tea will take place at the hospital and tours of the facility will be offered.
Jezreel will be entertaining kids at the park in the afternoon.
The first big event under the Big Tent will be that evening when the Centennial Variety Show will take place.
A teen dance will round things out that night featuring the band Counting Zero.
Friday morning kids can bounce and slide their day away on the east side of the arena when C.K.S. Inflatables open.
Kids can also participate in a free of charge build a birdhouse activity at the Big Tent.
Inside the arena there will be a community health festival featuring a petting zoo and other kids fun!
Riverview Elementary School will unveil its special centennial project, “Rainy River Past and Present Website” at the school that morning.
After lunch the St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church will hold a mass. Later that day they will also host an open house.
Mid afternoon there will be a Fashion Show featuring period clothing at the Big Tent.
Entertainer Tmbleweed will hold an afternoon show at the Legion. They will also perform at a dance at the Legion that night.
The band Jezreel will perform again at the government dock later that day.
The arena will be home to the band Thinking of Pinky Friday night as they entertain party goers.
The band Tea Time Drive will entertain under the Big Tent as well that night.
Saturday morning a display of stump art will be held at the park.
The parade of the century will take place at 10:30 and run south on 6th St. over to and North on Main St. and then turn east on Broadway to First St.
Following the parade there will be an old iron (old farm equipment, etc.) display across from the arena. There will also be a classic car display after the parade at the 4008 parking lot.
Families will be entertained by Bubbles the Clown at the Toy Library after the parade and later by Lulu and the Tom Cat at the arena.
At 1:30 p.m. the official centennial ceremonies will be held under the Big Tent featuring special presentations and speeches from dignitaries.
Following that Jim Jackson’s famous Name that Tune competition will be held in the tent.
Tmbleweed and Jezreel will both be performing at the Legion and Park the same as Friday.
A special socializing time will be held from 3 p.m. to 1 a.m. in the Big Tent. Hwy. 621, Elvis, The Whalens, Gerry Jolicouer and the Kalstroms will entertain from 3-9 p.m. At 7 p.m. The band The Uther Wunz will reunite to give everyone a blast from the past. At 9 p.m. the band Free Ride will rock the tent until close up.
On Sunday a 5k run will be held starting at the tent at 9 a.m.
That will be followed by an interdenominational church service.
At noon Family Day will kick off at the Big Tent. It will feature Ukrainian Dancers as well as other entertainers. The day will culminate with fireworks around 10 p.m. at Hannam Park.
Also at noon will be an Our Lady of Good Counsel Church reunion at the church on 1st St.
Sports enthusiasts will want to check out a couple of events Sunday afternoon. The Huskies and Spartans will have an exhibition reunion game and later in the afternoon will be the Great Beaver Boat races at the park.
The RR Model Airplane Club will be hosting a special demonstration that afternoon just north of town.
Monday the day will be spent relaxing, saying goodbyes and for some golfing in the annual RR Open Golf Tournament in Baudette.
For a complete listing of events and times pick up your copy of the Rainy River Record Centennial Edition, published July 20, 2004 and still available on newsstands this week.