International Tug of War without a winner

The two mayors and their teams of International Tug-of-War pullers had met on each side of the Rainy River to conduct the annual “Pulling for Peace” International Tug-of-War when a violent storm passed through just as the event was scheduled to begin.

For safety, the event was cancelled, prompting the mayors to meet and negotiate the peace.

Officials who allowed themselves to be quoted on the condition of remaining unnamed, stated the Americans were prepared to allow the Canadians to retain the traveling “World Peace Trophy” since the Canadians won last year and as a result the trophy remained in Canada.

“Although the rules do provide for a coin flip in the event of inclement weather, I was reluctant to allow our national honor to be decided by chance,” Avis stated.  “The Americans offered several suggestions and our staff researched precedent going back to the conclusion of the War of 1812, but I felt we needed decisive action and we needed it immediately.”

“I congratulated Mayor Avis on his having obtained the Canadian Prime Minister’s declaration of Peaceful Borders Day,” noted Mason, acknowledging that she is still waiting for a return call from the White House which was asked to sign a similar resolution. “I am happy with the resolution we negotiated with Fort Frances.”

The trophy will be inscribed with the words “2012 Cancelled Due to Weather” and scheduled again for July 2, 2013. More information on the International Tug-of-War is available at www.pullingforpeace.com.

 July 2 has been dubbed “International Peaceful Borders Day” by Canadian Prime Minister Harper. In his proclamation, Harper “… urged all citizens of both Canada and the United States to pause on this day to appreciate the blessings of good friends and good neighbors across peaceful borders and to honor this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities such as the International Tug-of-War held across the Rainy River in International Falls, Minn. and Fort Frances, Ontario.”