Joan Hall wins $600 in RR Reindeer Bucks

Ken Johnston

It was a windy and cold evening, but despite that, the annual Rainy River Santa Claus Parade went off without a hitch!
About 15 floats, fire trucks and ambulance gathered at the bottom of Main St. Friday evening. At 6 p.m. sharp the parade began. They travelled up Main St. where crowds of cold people cheered them on.
They arrived at the Legion where Mayor Gordon Prost lit the town Christmas tree. Caroling moved indoors where local vocalists, Jeff Fraser, Shauna McInerney, Donna Davidson and Anne Mailloux lead young and old in song.
Santa and Mrs. Claus were kept busy visiting with many little children, each of whom received a goodie bag donated by the Legion, Chamber of Commerce and Lions club.
The winning floats from the parade were the Rainy River High School (1st) and Lowes Lumber and Furniture (2nd). RRHS received $100 for its rendition of an owl, the school mascot, which featured wings that flapped a moving head and Christmas lights. Lowes received $50 for their float which was a Christmas lit home with an actual working gas fire place. The prize money was donated by the Chamber of Commerce.
On Friday and Saturday merchants hosted many sales as part of the annual Rainy River Christmas Merchant Madness. Sixteen businesses kicked in $50 each to hold a draw for $800 in Rainy River Reindeer Bucks. Winning $600 was Joan Hall of Rainy River and the $200 winner was Cory Matthew of Rainy River.
The weekend was rounded out with the annual Hospital Aux. Bazaar and the Messiah concert in Baudette.