New Christmas tree to be lit in Fort Frances tonight

A new outdoor festival in Fort Frances to help kick off the Holiday season.

It will take place this Friday evening in the downtown area.

It includes the lighting of a new tree set up at Rainy Lake Square.

Heather Johnson with the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce says the downtown Business Improvement Association has been working on the project for several years.

“Unfortunately, the post office has re-landscaped, so we no longer have the tree that the BIA used to light up,” says Johnson.

“We’ve had a few hits and misses throughout the years, but this year the BIA has purchased a beautiful tree out of BC. It will be used year after year, and it’s going to be beautiful when it’s lit up.”

Residents will have an opportunity to decorate the trees.

Memory bulbs can be purchased at Northwoods Gallery and Gifts and Causeway Insurance.

“You can go in and write something on the bulbs. You can write on it yourself or have some calligraphy done,” says Johnson.

“We’re going to replace bulbs on the tree with those bulbs. So every year, that memory will come up, whether it’s a happy memory, a birthday, maybe in memoriam, whatever you choose, will go on the bulb, and we will put them up on the tree.”

The bulbs cost $10 and will be available at the Rainy Lake Square on Friday from 5-6 p.m.

Proceeds are going to the Rainy River District Women’s Shelter of Hope.

There will also be a raffle for a gingerbread house, with proceeds going to the Couchiching Christmas Hamper Fund.

Residents are also encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item for donation to the Salvation Army.

The lighting ceremony will begin at 6 p.m.

Several activities will take place to coincide with the lighting, including a variety of children’s activities, promoted as Elf Academy.

“It’s all about the kids and Christmas and happiness and music and just different stations where they can get a badge for completing whatever goes on in that station,” says Johnson.

“We have, just to name a few, elf dancing and elf cookie decorating. They’re going to get an elf name tag, get a little painting on their face, elf face painting. We’re to have some snowball throwing.”

Several businesses and organizations are involved.

Fine Line Art Gallery will host ornament painting.

The Fort Frances Muskies Hockey teams will be hosting street hockey, while the famed Zambroni will be providing rides.

CIBC is setting up what it is calling Naughty or Nice, while Seven Generations Education Institute is doing a robot and tri-science project.

Ladies hand drummers from Couchiching First Nation, a choir led by Diane Maxey, and vocalists Jennifer Thorpe, Brittnay Strachan and Ken Kellar are scheduled to perform.

McDonald’s and Grimace will have hot coffee available, while New Gold is providing hot chocolate with a special topping.

During the day, shoppers are invited to take part in the Great Holiday Hunt to search for the hidden holiday elf.

Shoppers are encouraged to take a photo when they spot it and bring it to the holiday hunt table for a chance to win a local gift certificate.

Scott Street between Mowatt Avenue and Portage Avenue will be shut down between 5 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.