Rainy River showcased on bus tour

Submitted by
Gill Stamler

On Friday, August 28th, 2009, a new venture took place in Rainy River! In May, Gord Armstrong came up with the idea of promoting the town by running a bus tour from Winkler, Manitoba to Rainy River and the surrounding district. It came to fruition on the last weekend in August through the efforts of local citizens who wanted outsiders to see what an undiscovered treasure Rainy River and its environs really is, RRFDC, represented by Jeanette Cawston, worked out a budget and the venture was given a grant which meant the visitors would have a "free" weekend!
Eltjo Wiersema volunteered to do the driving in one of Pokey's Vans (Fort Frances) and safely delivered the guests to the Roadrunner Motel in time for lunch and their guides, Gill Stamler and Andrew Hartnell did a "walkabout" the town, visiting the "4008" then exploring the park etc. As the weather was co-operating, a barbecue was held at Hannam Park. The food was awesome, thanks to Patti Diebel (C.N. Hotel) and lovely musical entertainment by Willie and Rhodi Longenecker closed the evening.
Saturday morning after a fine breakfast at the Bakery, the group embarked on two pontoon boats, courtesy of "captains" Linda Armstrong and Archie Wiersema. The sail down the river was followed by a shore lunch at Oakgrove Camp where Linda Budreau spoke to the group about "Hungry Hall". Gerry and Gail Jolicoeur provided a real feast of walleye and all the trimmings! Eltjo then drove to the McInnes Creek Chapel where Vivian Locking was the guide, the old School House at Harris Hill, with Carolyn Kreger doing the honours, and finally to the Lighthouse in Morson where Laurie Pentney talked to the group. Harris Hill Resort was the residence for Saturday night. Cheryl Gauthier made a fabulous steak supper - she and Gary were gracious hosts.
Later, the group went to the Pow Wow at Big Island, which was an eye opening experience for them! They thoroughly enjoyed it. A big bonfire on the beach at Harris Hill Resort was a great ending to the day.
Sunday morning, breakfast at the Roadside - many thanks to Deb and Kim for opening specially for the visitors. Back on the bus and off to Barwick where the lighthouse and museum were visited. The museum is awesome, a hidden treasure in it-self, showing so many facets of the history of this area. The final stop on the tour was the Mounds Interprative Centre. The lunch was great as was the tour afterwards. Sherri Wilson was so knowledgeable to answer the many questions thrown at her! The visitors all belong to the Winkler Horticultural Society so they were very interested in the various plants of the site, especially their medicinal uses. Sherri talked about the history of the burial mounds and that of the area which was a busy First Nations camping site hundreds of years ago.
After the tour it was time to say "au revoir". Many said they wished the time in the area had been longer - a very positive reaction. Many photographs later, the group left for home, saying it would definitely spread the word that Rainy River and district is a great place to visit. Here's hoping their experience will encourage others to visit the town. As they said, they came as visitors and left as friends. Maybe this will be the start of something bigger!!