Kinsmen and Kinettes from across the province will be coming to Flin Flon next June for the first time.
The Flin Flon clubs will be hosting the District Convention, and convention committee chair Diane Therien is excited about the event.
“A lot of people have never been to northern Manitoba before and we are hoping some of them will roll it into a small vacation while they are here,” she said.
In the proposal put forth during the application process, local members highlighted the unique experience that would come with holding the event in the community. Area campgrounds, parks, fishing opportunities and the golf course built on rock and muskeg were all highlights that caught the attention of officials.
“While they are here, we are hoping to host a tour around town to show visitors our houses which are built on rocks and our above ground plumbing systems,” said Therien, describing the unique infrastructure that is simply life in Flin Flon.
The District Convention will be held June 2 to 5, 2016 with a number of activities already planned.
A meet-and-greet evening will be held on Thursday at the Rotary Wheel. Opening ceremonies will be on Friday morning, followed by a public speaking competition. A service lunch recognizing different clubs and their contributions to charity and their communities will be on Friday. The day will wrap up with a dinner and social time that evening under the theme “Follow The Yellow Brick Road to Flin Flon.” A costume competition under the event theme will add to the enjoyment of the evening.
Business meetings will be held on Saturday, but the serious side of the event is not without its own fun. Anyone caught speaking out of turn or otherwise disobeying the rules of the organization is fined, with all money raised going to charity.
“We also have an auction where the winner gets to sit in comfy chairs and is served snacks during the meetings,” said Therien. “It’s really a lot of fun.”
The Governor’s Ball will be on Saturday evening, when the outgoing official is recognized and the new governor is sworn in. A social time will follow and organizers are hoping to plan a breakfast to wrap up the entire event on Sunday morning.
Approximately 120 Kinsmen and Kinette members from across Manitoba and Northeastern Ontario are expected at the event, which will be hosted by approximately 50 active members in the local clubs.
“Our motto is Serving the Community’s Greatest Need, and we will spend time during convention doing a service project in town and raising money for charity,” said Therien.
“We are really looking forward to showcasing our community.”
