An historic milestone will unfold Friday in Smokey Bear Park, a landscape which has seen its own evolution of change since the local paper mill produced its very first roll of paper almost exactly one century ago.
On Friday, the park will be filled with booths, exhibits, activities, food and fun sponsored by Boise Inc. to honor the 100th anniversary of Borderland’s paper mill and E.W. Backus’ vision along the Rainy River.
The mill’s employees, retirees and all area residents are encouraged to gather and help celebrate this momentous occasion, say company representatives. Booths in the park will open at 9 a.m. and a commemorative program is scheduled at 10:30 a.m.
Local artist Bruce Trask will be on hand to discuss the main street mural he is currently painting on a brick building at Third Street and Third Avenue in the Falls. Trask was commissioned by Boise to create the commemorative montage of historical images.
Bill Beck, author of “The Mill at the Falls,” will also be in the park to autograph copies of the book which will be for sale for $19.95. The recently released publication, also commissioned by Boise, chronicles 100 years of local papermaking and the mill’s influence in the community. Sale proceeds from the book will go to Koochiching County Museums.
That museum will play its part in the festivities with historical paper mill exhibits on the grounds, according to museum Director Ed Oerichbauer. One exhibit will feature paper mill founder Backus and all the entities he originated and owned in the area. Memorabilia regarding employment at the mill, and other artifacts will also be displayed.
At noon, a community picnic will be served to the public by Boise employees and the International Falls Chamber of Commerce board members. Pulled pork sandwiches, beans, cole slaw, chips, hot dogs, cake and Coca Cola is on the picnic menu.
Popcorn, root beer floats and cotton candy will also be available at various booths.
Community tours of the mill will be offered at 1:30 p.m. and will continue Saturday from 8:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended and no sandals or cameras are allowed. Children must be age 10 or older to take a tour.
The celebration in the park is expected to continue until about 2:30 p.m., according to Boise staff.
