Awesome is how Tim “Chopper” McBride described the first music festival held at the newly dedicated Irvin N. Anderson Amphitheater Saturday.
The description fits all the events held Saturday in celebration of the dedication of the amphitheater and the James Oberstar Riverfront Complex.
Few faces at these events, which included a Pulling for Peace celebrity and traditional tug of war, didn’t feature huge smiles. And despite International Falls’ loss in both tugs, the unique event serves well to remind us of our close connection to Canada, with which we have shared a peaceful border for almost two centuries.
The events Saturday are also a celebration of the new-found relationship the gateway communities have developed with Voyageurs National Park.
For years, anger and frustration over how land was acquired for creation of the park and how the park was managed overshadowed the good this jewel in the National Park System could bring to the gateway communities. Now, new managers and management styles, as well as an acknowledgement of past history, has helped lead to unique, historic and valuable partnerships that will lead many to visit this area, spend money in our businesses and boost the economy.
Everyone involved in planning and putting on Saturday’s events deserve huge thanks from the community.
Add to Saturday’s celebration the local Fourth of July events around the county and we’ve got the makings for an all American, with taste of Canada, weekend.
The only problem now is how will we top this year’s events next year? Chances are some people are already starting to plan. Kudos to all involved in making the events of this past weekend a safe and enjoyable Borderland weekend.
