Photos

Staff photos/Rhonda Silence The mood was festive at the opening of the Fort William Historical Park – Canada Gateway Centre. Grand Marais Mayor Sue Hakes and David Parsons of Parsons Management, which is operating the Gateway Centre, welcomed Ontario Ministry of Tourism representatives, Assistant Deputy Minister Shirley Phillips and Fort William Historical Park General Manager Sergio Buonocore. The dignitaries spoke of how the shared facility will benefit communities on both sides of the border. Above: Little Olya Wright of Grand Marais wasn’t sure what to think about the larger than life voyageur puppet that welcomed visitors to the grand opening. Upper right: A brigade of soldiers was on hand from Fort William Historical Park. They talked to elementary school students about their powder muskets. Middle: In addition to a wonderful lunch, there was a lot of music at the event. Bagpipers led a parade from Bear Tree Park and fiddlers provided music so the Fort William Historical Park voyageurs could dance. Lower right: Fifth graders from Ann Russ and Joan Ege’s classes spent part of their day interacting with the historical reenactors from Fort William Historical Park. These kids enjoyed a rousing game of LaCrosse.