Sister cities get ready for Tug of War Falls and Fort — on a rope

While the sister cities enjoy an international friendship, that need not usurp some good-natured razzing. The tugging contest where teams will be pulling for their cities, and their countries, is set for noon next Friday on both sides of the Rainy River.

The border towns will display their muscle and verve as they tug on a rope that spans 1,200 feet across the river that separates them.

To add festivity, the city of International Falls is sponsoring a free community lunch for the 50 tuggers needed for the Falls team as well as other spectators expected to gather at the Roche landing.

For the Fort, the competition is part of several adjoining celebrations during Canada’s Tourism Week. Among the Fort’s other attractions is the historic “Hallett” tug boat and the city’s restored Lookout Tower — Ontario Heritage Sites now open to border residents at the Sorting Gap Marina.

“Fort Frances is the reigning champion (of the International Tug of War),” boasts Pam Cain, curator at the Fort Frances Museum.

Falls City Administrator Rod Otterness concedes that this is true.

“As you know, the city (International Falls) has lost twice,” Otterness told The Journal, calmly, as if this is no big deal. Otterness needed prodding to admit that this is twice out of two contests.

“And, of course, as a result of that,” he continued matter of factly, “there is some speculation that the U.S. team would cheat. Canadians are very concerned about that.

“So they put an observation tower in place to make sure that doesn’t happen.”

Betsy Jensen, director of the International Falls Area Chamber of Commerce spilled the beans on the city’s overt intention to cheat in the competition, hinting that it might involve Mayor Shawn Mason and the attaching of a certain rope to heavy equipment.

“You want be on the winning team; and whether we have to cheat or not, we’re gonna win this year,” Jensen told The Journal unabashedly. “We’re not above cheating.”

Otterness is playing dumb. “As part of the U.S. team, I personally have no plans to cheat,” he said gallantly.

Jensen said that what might be called cheating is really only a leveling of the playing field for what she said was a past disadvantage with loose gravel underfoot at the Roche landing. “So if we hook up to something, we have our mulligan,” she explained, the golf term referring to an extra shot allowed after a poor shot.

Mason told The Journal that losing in a “prestigious world-premiere event” provokes a search for excuses, but adds that a variety of issues did work against the Falls team in the past. Things such as having to “pull up hill” and having the Fort team delay the start only to hear them wailing like the “Whos of Whoville” with a chorus of “Oh Canada” didn’t help, Mason said. She added that inspirations will also be added for the Falls team this year.

Megan Ross, Fort Frances organizer and recreation director, told The Journal that it’s not surprising that the Falls team would “bring out all the stops to get back at us.”

Jensen hopes that 50 people will come forward for a “strong, gender-balanced” Falls team.

“Come out and win one for the U.S.,” Otterness urges, adding that he’d like to see the event eventually promoted as the U.S.A. versus Canada, in spite of his team’s batting average. Those planning to tug may sign-up ahead at the Chamber Office by calling 283-9400. They should bring their own spiked shoes and gloves to the landing on June 4.

When the international teams are ready in their respective countries, Cain explained, a boat stationed on the river will bring each end of the rope to the opposing groups.

“We’re (the Fort Frances team) not intimidated,” Cain said. “We are prepared and ready to battle. And we certainly invite these folks from the Falls to come over after they lose.”

Jensen said brats, hot dogs, chips and lemonade are planned for community members who come out for lunch at noon at the Roche landing.

The organizers all said they hope to grow the International Tug of War to an annual, more widespread event to be held over the countries’ July independence holidays. Mason said the vision for the new waterfront project includes a pathway for the international stunt.

“I really do believe that this event has all the right stuff to capture the curiosity of the world,” Mason said.

Participants needed for the International Tug of War

A group of 50 sturdy and strong people, male/female, is needed for the June 4 International Tug of War. The plan is to take back the crown from Fort Frances. Participants may sign-up by calling the Falls Chamber Office at 283-9400.

All participants should be at the Pat Roche Memorial Access east of the Falls before noon. “Tuggers” should bring their own gloves and spiked shoes if possible.

Community is invited for free lunch and to watch; noon Friday.