Turn-out the biggest highlight for first Fall River canal days http://www.thelaker.ca/stories.asp?id=3918
Pat Healey
FALL RIVER: The highlight of the first annual Fall River Canal Days was in the numbers, one of its organizers said.
Sandra Carr said the Canada Day festival, held at seven different locations throughout the area, was a success. Among the venues used was the Gordon R. Snow Community Centre, the old Fall River Recreation Centre and Lake Thomas, to name a few.
“We all think Canal Days were great,” Carr said. “There was more than enough interest to make it into an annual event.”
She was thrilled with the crowd turnout, which, at some events, was believed to be about 100 people.
“Hopefully, there will be enough positive reports on the various activities that, next year, people will decide to stay home and enjoy them,” she added.
Among the activities featured during Canal Days was a breakfast put on by the three local church congregations, serving more than 350 people. The money raised from this event, $560, is being donated to the George P. Vanier Junior High School students’ beautification project.
Other popular events were the Sea King Fly Past that had motorists and motorcyclists alike under the bright sunny skies looking skyward as the Sea King flew over the downtown area of Fall River with the loud roar of its engine.
A strawberry bake-off took place and a Children’s art show was held at the Open Gate church. Dave Reed caught the longest fish, a 25-inch pickerel, during the Fishing Derby at the Gordon R. Snow Community Centre. There was face-painting, hair-wrapping and a clown with magic fingers creating animal balloons. And a Taekwon-Do demonstration by those involved with Fall River Taekwon-Do.
There was also a funny dog show which saw more than 40 dogs of all shapes, breeds and sizes battle to win prizes in the event organized by Lynn Cooper.
An adult arts reception was held at Advantage Frame. Emma Van Leer was presented a cheque after her design of the Fall River Canal Days logo was selected as the winner.
The fireworks may have been delayed, but the crowd and enthusiasm were still there when they were finally held July 4, Carr said.
“They were well worth the wait,” she added.
For Carr the change in date and location of the fireworks was the lowlight of the event.
“The Island we planned to use was wet and had loons nesting on it so we had to make some quick changes in location,” she said. “Then, we discovered that there were too many people using the equipment for Canada Day (not a bad thing overall) but we had to wait for it to become available. I have heard nothing but praise for this event.”
The one thing organizers plan on trying to look at for the 2011 event will be streamlining activities.
“For instance, now that we know we can use the Fall River Rec Centre, the art show can probably be held there,” explained Carr. “We will also be looking at more food concessions. These can be run by volunteers looking to raise funds for their groups. We’re not trying to make any money from these events.”
Carr said the feedback from community members who took part in the event has been very positive. She feels it also helped get rid of the stigma that Fall River was a place where people go to work and come home to sleep without any interaction with their neighbours.
“People felt this event was a step in the right direction to changing this,” Carr said. “One of the reasons why I took this on is because I have lived in the area all my life and used to know everybody. I can't say that now. However, with my involvement in various organizations, including Fall River Canal Days, I certainly have met more people. I do enjoy the social aspect of living in this area. I’m a true lover of Fall River and its residents.”
She advised people to keep an eye on the Fall River Canal Days website, www.fallrivercanaldays.ca, as they will utilize it to announce meeting notices, ideas, and as a place for you to leave your suggestions.
phealey@enfieldweeklypress.com