Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/758253
C M Y K Page 5 WINNIPEG FREE PRESS, SATURDAY DECEMBER 3, 2016 5 F L I N F L O N womensresource.ca We all have the ability to achieve success We are here to help support our community. to help women and children when they need a hand. Inspiring Women To Be Strong in Health, Family, Career & Life. We offer Counselling, Support Programs, Encouragement & Emergency Shelter. 60 Hapnot Street Flin Flon MB R8A 1L6 (204) 681-3105 Women's Resoure Centre – Flin Flon BIG ISLAND DRIVE IN MOVIE THEATER Follow us on Facebook at BIG ISLAND DRIVE IN MOVIE THEATER 204-687-3000 OPEN MAY TO OCTOBER 10 kms outside of Flin Flon Call 866-900-7390 and ask for LTOWN Travelling for Business or Leisure? Choose Comfort! Comfort Inn Winnipeg South 3109 Pembina Hwy Winnipeg Manitoba TAMARACK RENTALS LTD 1-2.indd 1 23/09/2013 2:13:35 PM RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL & FURNACE REPAIRS BOX 1743 332 MORRISH RD THE PAS, MB 204-623-2388 204-620-0522 TREVSELECTRIC@LIVE.CA Celebrating 38 Years of Trading on the Shores of Hudson Bay WE SHIP WORLDWIDE City Centre Mall, THOMPSON, MB 1-204-677-2026 www.arctictradingco.com • INUIT & FIRST NATIONS HANDICRAFTS • CARIBOU HAIR TUFTINGS • FUR PRODUCTS & RUGS 141 Kelsey Blvd., CHURCHILL, MB TOLL FREE 1-800-665-0431 1-204-675-8804 Email: atcpenny@mymts.net T he town of Flin Flon is primed for a party next summer with Homecoming 2017 / Celebration of Canada's 150th Birthday. City councillor Colleen McKee says the event will be held June 30-July 2, in conjunction with the annual Trout Festival and Canada Day festivities. McKee leads a lively civic life, having served her community as a volunteer, a school trustee and city councillor. She is a key player in organizing the Homecoming. She says the thing she loves about the community is the people. "The people here are creative, vibrant, intelligent and most of all, supportive," says McKee. "They are true Canadians!" She says Flin Flon's people are its driving force and their energy and creativity will be front and centre in the wide variety of activities and celebrations that will be taking place over the Canada Day weekend. The list of events offers something for Flin Flon's residents and visitors of all ages: Fish Fry, Homecoming Social, Neighbourhood Tent Event, Bomb Shelter Beer Gardens, Senior Events, Teen Dance, Fireworks, July 1 Celebration, Beaver Lake Day, Historical Tours, Memorial Cup Bombers 60th Acknowledgement and Main Street Days. "One of the key attractions will include the Flin Flon Celebrates Homecoming social, in which we are hoping to carry out the mining theme," says McKee. "We are currently looking into the possibility of selling novelty mining hard hats with lights for Homecoming participants to wear." The weekend Bomb Shelter Beer Gardens will be paying tribute to Flin Flon's world-famous hockey club, the Flin Flon Bombers. (Some 17 NHL players have come out of Flin Flon.) The Neighbourhood Tent Event will feature neighbourhood parties where folks will have opportunities to share their stories from the past during an open mic session. "There will be Historical Tours explaining the colourful past of this hard- rock mining town, including the infamous 'Red Light District,'" McKee adds. There will also be a Canada Day 150th Celebration with partner community Creighton, Sask., and Beaver Lake Day with another partnering community, Denare Beach. "These and all the spin-off activities are going to make for a crazy weekend!" McKee says. The town's name has one of the best origin stories ever. In 1915, a pair of prospectors named the site after Josiah Flintabattey Flonatin, a character from the science fiction novel The Sunless City by Preston Murdock. American cartoonist Al Capp, of Li'l Abner fame, created the image of Flinty, whose statue is on the lookout near the Flin Flon Station Museum. Other unique claims to fame include the 100-step staircase built in 1935, which shortcuts Third Avenue to the downtown; and a 140-metre tunnel, which was started to eliminate the stairs but ended up as a bomb shelter. That feat of civic recycling was surpassed by the abandoned mine shaft that was converted to an underground greenhouse to grow fruit, vegetables and flowers and even medical marijuana. The area is surrounded by forests and lakes with sandy beaches, walking paths and extended walking trails and a golf course. The city also features fine restaurants and a vibrant arts scene with visual and performing arts. "The Flin Flon Community Choir, which has played New York twice at Carnegie Hall and once at Lincoln Centre, has recently secured the rights to perform the hit musical Grease," says McKee. With so much to offer, there is plenty to draw big crowds to this year's Homecoming. The last homecoming event drew 3,200 registrants, so securing early accommodation is a must. To ensure visitors get the information they need, a Flin Flon Homecoming 2017/Celebration of Canada's 150th Birthday site has been set up on Facebook. "People should check the Facebook page regularly for updates, to obtain a list of places to stay and to see the frequently asked questions," McKee says, adding it is also important to note the ticket deadline is set for Feb. 15, 2017. "We would also like to take this opportunity to invite everyone to come party with us in a place that boasts some of the most beautiful lake and cottage country in the world!" Homecoming tickets can be purchased by mail, in person at City Hall, or online. Tickets are required for anyone 18 and over and are only $60. Learn more at www.cityofflinflon.ca. American cartoonist Al Capp, of Li'l Abner fame, created the image of Flinty, whose statue is on the lookout near the Flin Flon Station Museum. PARTY OF THE YEAR BY WENDY KING Flin Flon pulls out all the stops for Homecoming 2017 "We would also like to take this opportunity to invite everyone to come party with us in a place that boasts some of the most beautiful lake and cottage country in the world!" PARALYZED BY FEAR? If you experience: Shortness of breath Tightness of chest Choking sensations Dizziness Racing Heart Trembling or shaking Numbness or tingling Feelings of unreality We can help. 204-925-0600 or 1(800)805-8885 www.adam.mb.ca