Centennial committee winds down

News Release
RR Centennial Committee

Wasn’t that a party! Seems to be a sentiment shared by all who participated in Rainy River’s Centennial year.
From the New Year’s Levee, through our Gala Centennial Ball in May, to our hugely successful mid-summer Homecoming Weekend, a great Giant Pumpkin Festival, record breaking Walleye Tournament, and a final Wind-up Christmas Party, Rainy River celebrated in true Centennial fashion.
We hosted thousands of visitors witnessed old acquaintances renewed, and new friendships forged. Memories that will last us a lifetime.
And how did we do it? With a community of volunteers. >From long established groups from our churches, service clubs, lodges, professionals, and everyday Janes and Joes. Organizations like our Rainy River Br 54 Legion were at the forefront raising money, promoting, and slaving away like they have done for decades because they love and believe in community.
The Rainy River Centennial Committee under the leadership of Gord Armstrong were mandated by the Rainy River Town Council, a couple of years back, with the task of organizing the agenda and festivities throughout 2004. That challenge was taken up and more than met.
We can reflect back on not only a year of fantastic events, but some concrete assets we all will enjoy well into our second century. >From little things like flower baskets on our streets, painted curbs and light standards, and new benches and picnic tables, to larger projects like the asphalt surfacing of our tennis courts, and our waterfront festival area.
Our final project wrapped up this past week, was the production and distribution of the Centennial Memories Video. Over 150 copies are being enjoyed in Rainy River homes and across the country. From now on the videos will be available locally from Rainy River Drugs.
All this effort and activity took a big chunk of that rare commodity - cash. But as local taxpayers you will be happy to note the $100,000.00 plus budget of the Centennial Committee is not on your tax bill. Although the accountants have not completely finished adding up all the numbers, it looks like your Centennial Committee as well as providing the Town with some long term assets and undertaking some projects the regular Town budget couldn’t handle, managed to run a modest surplus.
How did that happen! Because as well as the Centennial Committee, you, your organizations, and current and former residents, all got together and helped!
Yessirree! That was some party!