Ready to roll

Ken Johnston

He is as calm as before the storm as he can be.
Rainy River Centennial Chairman Gord Armstrong said that everything is pretty much in place for the big party this weekend and he credits the hard work of coordinators Crystal Lindal, Jack Elliott, many volunteers and the town crew.
“The townspeople have also been tremendous. They have been volunteering and many have made extra efforts to fix up yards and paint.”
Starting Wednesday everyone who has registered can go the centennial booth at the old CNR Station and pick up their packages. Armstrong also noted that those who have not registered should go and register to get the appropriate wrist bands for the various events going on over the weekend. “There will also be a booth at the park that they can do that. But if they want the bag of goodies they have to go to the station,” said Armstrong.
The booths will be open through out the weekend and the one at the station will also be the hub for anyone looking for a campsite. “We have enough room for about 200 campsites,” said Armstrong, adding, “These will be unserviced sites with no running water or power.” There will however be portapotties in the vicinity of them.
All the campsites at the river are gone, however the water treatment plant, the old Murray Meyers yard on 1st St., land just south of the school and the old mill yard will be open for campers. “The river front sites have been gone since late last year,” said Town Clerk Deb Bowman.
Sun shelters have been placed around town for all to use free of charge.
Armstrong said that the schedule has not changed since last week’s printing of the Record Centennial Edition, with the exception that Jezreel will be entertaining again on Saturday.
Anyone seeking information throughout the weekend should either go to the registration booths or look for people wearing yellow shirts with volunteer on their back. “If they have questions those people will get them answers,” said Armstrong.
He feels the highlight of the weekend will be, “The homecoming and all the visiting that will take place. Of course the parade will be super. Everyone I have talked to is putting a float in.”
It is recommended that people planning to eat at one of the many food events to buy their tickets in advance as they will go quickly and numbers are limited.
Armstrong said that several dignitaries are coming including newly elected Thunder Bay-Rainy River M.P. Ken Boshcoff, Kenora-Rainy River M.P.P. Howard Hampton, David Ramsay Minister of Natural Resources, Glen Witherspoon on behalf of the Trillium Foundation, as well as representatives from neighbouring communities will all say a few words at the official centennial ceremonies at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday in the Big Tent.
“I would like to welcome all of you who are coming for helping make this a very special event. It will be great to see people we haven’t seen in 30 or 40 years and see who recognizes who!”
Armstrong said Monday, “I am as calm as I possibly can be and I am sure we have done all we could do to make the weekend fun for everyone. Everyone have a safe and enjoyable weekend!”