Big tent gets a reprieve

From Fort Frances Times

Although the Rainy River Future Development Corp. has seen a dramatic decline in the use of its events tent in recent years, it will not sell the tent quite yet and instead hold on to it for two more years.
“After carefully reviewing the comments we received from participating municipalities, the board of directors has decided to keep and maintain the regional events tent for two more years,” RRFDC chair George Emes wrote in a letter received by Fort Frances town council last Monday evening.
“During this period, community events taking place within the participating municipalities will be able to book the tent free of charge,” he noted.
“Please note that erection, transportation, and insurance charges still will be the responsibility of the event organizer,” Emes added.
The only costs to the lessee would be the expert set-up fee of about $800, transportation to the site, and arranging for sufficient volunteer help to erect it safely.
“In order to cover our costs, the RRFDC proposes to take a nominal amount from our municipal contributions to a maximum of $5,000 each year to cover the maintenance and pay down the tent loan,” Emes explained.
Events occurring in communities that do not participate in the RRFDC still will be required to pay the full rental fee.