Thanks for helping make the boat races a success!

Letter to the Editor,

This past Sunday Rainy River witnessed what a grand time can be had with a bit of cardboard, a few rolls of Tuck Tape, our beautiful River, and some community minded volunteers. Once again folks just stepped forward to make this happen. Bob McGreevy and Ken ‘Scrounger’ Trenchard headed up the organization of the event. Marty Kreger on the starting line, Don Ricci for taking the action photographs and Ian Johnson and Vaughn Murray manned the chase and safety boat, while Telford Advent supplied the sound system and M.C.’d the race.

Our major financial sponsors were Tompkins Hardware of Emo supplying the Tuck Tape, Norampac of Winnipeg providing the cardboard, and Fort Frances General Supply looking after the Most Spectacular Sinking Trophy. Busy Beaver Fuels, Beaver Mills Market, Gillon’s, Nexus Credit Union, Rainy River Drugs, and Wood’s Quality Bakery sponsored our trophies.

Our audience cheered on an incredible group of participants, young and old, who had no qualms about laughing and being laughed at... and with. Their antics were terrific. Each year the craft become harder and harder to sink with the final event, The Last Boat Afloat- #13 this year- bringing roars of laughter and encouragement from all.

As I pass the torch to next year’s organizers of the Great Beaver Boat Races, a sincere thank you to all the volunteers and sponsors who have made this event a reality for each of the last 14 years.

Sincerely

Jack Elliott,
Past Chair