Fireworks moved to Railroad Daze

Ken Johnston
Editor

With the park looking like a war zone and partially underwater the Rainy River Fire Department decided to move the Canada Day fireworks display to Railroad Daze.
Railroad Daze, slated for July 17-21, 2002 promises to be one of the best Railroad Daze festivals in years. Chamber of Commerce representatives have been working hard with the Recreation Board to put together a bang up schedule of events.
Things will start on the Wednesday with a family video dance at the community centre. That will also be the location for a monster bingo on Thursday night.
Friday the event kicks in high gear with the Rainy River downtown being closed off to traffic to allow for sidewalk sales and several fun events for all ages. Early in the morning the Rainy River Public Library will hold its annual book sale and around lunch time the CIBC will host a hop-scotch competition for kids.
After lunch the Village Green will be sponsoring minnow races with plenty of great prizes to be won. The annual Rainy River Activity Depot Seniors Picnic will be held on the lawn of the old CNR Station. The always popular band Highway 621 will be playing for all to enjoy.
Capping off the busy day downtown, the Rainy River Curling Club will host their annual walleye fish fry at the Legion. Also starting around supper time is the annual Rainy River Rec. Board. Slowpitch tournament featuring concessions and a beer garden.
Finally the day will end with a smear tournament at the community centre.
Saturday Main Street will be closed off to traffic again to allow for more great sidewalk sales and festive activities.
The Farmer’s Market will open at 9 a.m. and run until Noon with a full slate of vendors. Also starting at 9 a.m. is the 5th Annual Rainy River Internationals Fun Fly just north of town featuring model airplane flyers from all over the region. It will run for two days and all are welcome.
At 10 a.m. Canadian National Railway’s Operation Life Saver will be on hand to talk about railway safety with the young and old.
At 9 a.m. the Knox United Church will open its doors for a historical display, highlighting its 100 years in Rainy River.
At 10:30 a.m. kids activities featuring face painting and crafts will be held at the toy library.
At 11 a.m. Parade Marshall Harry Arnould will kick off everyone’s festival favourite; the 15th annual Railroad Daze parade.
At noon there will be a hotdog eating contest at Susan’s Corner Store, sponsored by Susan’s.
Also at noon will be the annual Catholic Women’s League Railroad Daze lunch and penny table at the Catholic Church.
At 1 p.m. the Women’s Hockey Team will host a dunk tank at the community centre. Also at the community centre, located in the arena, will be a petting zoo.
At 2 p.m. Gillons Insurance will be giving away free helium balloons to kids downtown.
At 2 p.m. the United Church will throw its 100th birthday party with a garden party open to the public.
A skipping contest sponsored by Rainy River Drugs will be held at 2 p.m. at the drug store.
At 3 p.m. Cuts for Cancer will return to Railroad Daze to raise money for cancer research.
The Legion will host country band Tmblweed in the afternoon and at a dance that evening.
At 4:30 the famous Legion Steak-fry will be held at the Legion.
After supper a homerun hitting contest will be held at the community centre.
At 9 p.m. the arena will be rockin to music by SON with a Reviving the 70s theme. There will be prizes all night. Admittance is 19 and over.
Sunday morning the Legion will host its annual pancake breakfast at 8 a.m.
A non-denominational church service will be held at Heritage Square as well as a special 100th anniversary church service at Knox United.
The fun fly and the ball tournament will continue all day. The weekend will be rounded out with fireworks at Hannam Park.