The Friends of Chippewa Park Media Conference
Summer 2009
AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEW
Bill Lafontaine – President of The Friends of Chippewa Park (807) 577-6628
Bill Beavis – organizer of the Chippewa Fun Day being held June 28th, 2009
Dennis Woods – Past President
*Ernie Rollason – currently retired - former Chair of the Fort William Board of Parks Management and purchased rides (except carousel) at Chippewa.
*Larry Hebert – Councillor – (installed rides)
*Tim Heney – CEO of Port Authority (worked on the rides)
DÉJÀ VU DAY
The year 2011 will mark the 90th birthday of Chippewa Park. This momentous event warrants an equally momentous celebration, and so we have decided to launch the planning for the celebrations this year! Déjà Vu Day, on June 21st, 2009, will begin the celebration planning as previous Chippewa Park staff from 20-50 years ago come back and take another shift of work, and share their memories. Larry Hebert, current city councillor, worked at Chippewa Park in 1967 when the amusement rides were first constructed, and recaps a memory from opening day. The rides were first opened to the public on Canada Day in 1967, on which it rained: it rained so much that the tracks on the roller coaster got so wet and slippery that the operators couldn’t stop the ride! They had to resort to throwing large amounts of sand on the tracks in order to stop the roller coaster. There was no harm done to the people on the ride, they were just glad to get an extra go around the track, although some of them were a bit green on the really long rides.
If you have memories, like Mr. Hebert, be sure to make an appearance at the park on June 21st and have your memories recorded. To celebrate the 90th birthday, a series of reunions will be held during he summer of 2011 including: Girl Guides; Chippewa Staff; Sandy & Chippewa Campers; Rock and Roll nights; Playground Leaders; Big Band nights; Summer Day Camps; Thunder Bay Yacht Club and; Tourists! Be sure to sign up for a reunion and even join an organizing committee!
Back again for the 3rd summer is Sundays in the Park. A free concert series starting June 21st and running every Sunday until August 30th (June 28th, Chippewa Fun Day, will have their own entertainment) from 2:00pm-4:00pm. Current line up as follows (subject to change):
TFOCP give many thanks to the City of Thunder Bay for their contribution of $5,000 towards the production costs of Sundays in the Park.
CONCESSION OPERATIONS
The Friends of Chippewa Park are running the concession out at Chippewa this summer! June hours: everyday over lunch, extended hours for special events (weather and crowd permitting). July hours: 11:00pm – 8:00pm (weather and crowd permitting). If needed, hours will be extended for special events. Very reasonable prices for great summer food!
CHIPPEWA FUN DAY
On June 28th, Bill Beavis and his family have dedicated their time and energy into creating a Chippewa Fun Day event at Chippewa Park. The day will be filled with games for all ages, free coffee and cake, over 600 prizes for the children and 60 prizes for the adults—grand prize is a weekend for four at Sturgeon Lake Lodge!
Festivities start at 11:00am and run till 4:00pm.
Like many people, Bill Beavis fondly recalls the many summers he spent out at Chippewa Park with family and friends. Riding the electric street car to the park to spend the day, or watching the fireworks displays on Canada Day. When asked why Bill decided to plan Chippewa’s Fun Day he said he wanted to show his support for The Friends of Chippewa Park and his love for the Park. After working as the manager of Parks and Recreation for 13 years, he certainly has an attachment to the park. With much community support, promotion through out the city and a three year commitment for an annual fun day, the day is sure to promise FUN! Bill’s excitement for the fun day is very infectious and has got myself, and the board members anticipating an incredible success. We look forward to spending the day with you and your family!
THE FRIENDS OF CHIPPEWA PARK SUMMER RAFFLE
This summer, The Friends of Chippewa Park are holding their first ever raffle with first prize being a week at Chippewa Park including: overnight accommodation in one of our new wheel chair accessible log cabins, free rides all week long and access to the wildlife park for an entire summer. Tickets are only a twoonie ($2), and the proceeds will go towards additional entertainment at the park and to help fund the 90th birthday celebrations. Tickets are available at the park, from members of The Friends of Chippewa Park, at our office (call 623-5111 or e-mail Chippewa@tbaytel.net) and at Co-operators on Red River rd. The draw will be held at the Chippewa Fun Day on Sunday, June 28. A total of 12 prizes will be awarded.
