Rainy River man, Andrew Hartnell, busy pumping up community events

By Ken Johnston
Editor

There is a familiar face pounding the pavement in Rainy River in the name of improving Rainy River events.
Andrew Hartnell, 22, has been working as a Community Coordinator Intern for the Town of Rainy River since March 30th and has found the job to be everything he expected.
His primary focus at present is on enhancing Rainy River’s annual Railroad Daze Festival which has been moved a week earlier this year. Hartnell who completed his General Arts and Science Diploma at Confederation College in Thunder Bay last year, said that he focused a great deal on business and communication while in school and is applying it directly to Railroad Daze and other upcoming events.
“I love working with the public and I remember how Railroad Daze used to be. I am working to get the public more into it and on making Railroad Daze even better.”
Already Hartnell has secured the closure of Main St. for part of the event to host a Classic Car show. He has also been talking to various groups and will have the CN Police, CN Work trucks and possibly a diesel locomotive on display for the public. “We are also pleased that the WinTrac model railway club from Winnipeg is returning to put on a display at the old railway station.” He also is working to return the parade back to its glory days.
Hartnell is also busy working on promoting the event in many ways and encourages the public to watch for them.
He has also been talking to as many people as he can to get ideas for ways to improve the festival. “I am open to any idea and encourage people to call me at the town office at 852-3978 weekdays.”
In addition to Railroad Daze Hartnell has been attending many groups’ meetings including the Healthy Communities Coalition, Rainy River Walleye Tournament Committee, Rainy River Curling Club and the Rainy River Recreation Board.
His position is being funded by a grant from FedNor and is a one year term.