Not only are we blessed at this time of year to live in one of the most beautiful regions of the country, but we also a lot of outstanding community events that are worth checking out over the summer.
From one end of our riding to other I will be attending many of these great events, so let me share some that are already in my calendar.
Thursday July 15 – Sunday July 18th – Rainy River Railroad Daze (Rainy River District)
The Railroad Daze draws many to the beautiful Rainy River District from the US and surrounding areas in Northwestern Ontario. One of the largest events of the year in the District, the Daze features many events including a baseball tournament, home run derby, classic car show, parade, kid’s entertainment and dances on Friday and Saturday. In short, there is something for everyone in the family at the Rainy River Railroad Daze.
Friday 16 – 18th – 12th Annual Thunder Bay Dragon Boat Race
The Dragon Boat Race Festival is a summer fundraising event that promotes community spirit, vitality and unity. Paddling together in harmony, we enrich the quality of life for the citizens of Thunder Bay and region. Money that is raised will benefit the Canadian Mental Health Association, the Catholic Family Development Centre, and the St. Joseph’s Foundation. A great event.
(http://www.thunderbaydragonboat.com/)
Wednesday July 20th – Krishna Culture Festival of India (Thunder Bay)
Festival of India is a unique cultural experience to enjoy food, dances, drama, music, exhibits and arts from India…right in the heart of Thunder Bay. Explore the world at home.
Thursday July 22nd- Sunday July 25 – 100th Anniversary of the Finlandia Club (Thunder Bay)
The Finlandia Club of Port Arthur building is celebrating its 100th Anniversary in 2010 and is the oldest Finnish built structure of its kind still owned and used on a daily basis by the people. It has been the home of the world famous Hoito Restaurant since 1918, and the Canadian Sanomat, the only Finnish language newspaper in Canada, has its office on the main floor. Come out to celebrate a unique part of our history and culture in Thunder Bay!
(http://www.finlandiaclub100.com/index.html)
Friday July 23rd – Sunday August 1 – IBAF World Junior Baseball Championship (Thunder Bay)
The IBAF AAA World Junior Championships is an under-18 international baseball competition sponsored by the International Baseball Federation (IBAF). The Thunder Bay International Baseball Association is the proud hosts of this year’s event, and I hope you will join them and see some world class baseball right in Thunder Bay. I know I plan to catch as many games as possible!
(http://www.worldbaseball2010.com/)
Tuesday July 27th – The Lancaster Bomber at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum (Thunder Bay)
This summer, the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum’s Avro Lancaster is embarking on its largest tour of Canada in 20 years and is going on display in Thunder Bay! The CWHM is a living museum featuring the aircraft used by Canadians or Canada’s Military from the beginning of World War II up to the present. Get up and close with one of Canada’s legendary warplanes on July 27th!
(http://www.warplane.com/blog/index.php/2010/05/lancaster-tour-2010/)
I plan to attend as much of these events as possible and I hope you will consider joining me for what will surely be a great summer time.
If you would know of other interesting events that you think I should attend, then please feel free to get in touch by email at Rafferty.J@parl.gc.ca or by calling one of my local offices at the following phone numbers.
Atikokan: 807-597-2000
Fort Frances: 807-274-9313
Thunder Bay: 807-623-6000
Toll Free: 1-800-667-6186
John Rafferty, MP.