The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Jonathon Naylor Editor It was a celebration fit for a Queen, in honour of a Queen. Hundreds of residents and invited guests gathered in Flin Flon for the Royal Weekend, marking Queen Elizabeth II's diamond jubilee in grand style. 'I can't think of (another) community that can celebrate the Queen's jubilee in such a special way,' MP Niki Ashton said. 'Your vibrant arts, your commitment to bringing people together _ from First Nations, from the northern communities all around, from next door in Saskatchewan _ and the way you bring everybody together to celebrate the arts, to celebrate the talent that we have and to celebrate our history; it's truly unique not just for Manitoba, but I'd say for all of Canada.' Looking dignified in a dress and dark blazer, Ashton was among the dignitaries at Pioneer Square on Saturday afternoon for the entertainment-filled opening ceremonies. A peak crowd of about 250 people _ including Premier Greg Selinger and Mayor George Fontaine _ crammed the downtown park for a mostly sunny afternoon. As gentle winds rippled the large Canadian flag adorning the rear of the stage, Selinger took to the microphone to reflect on Canada's royal connection. 'Canadians look to the crown as a symbol of how democracy can function in the world,' said the premier, 'and the things that we can do together in a democratic way _ very important traditions that we all base our parliamentary system on and our legislative system on.' Like many in attendance, Flin Flon MLA Clarence Pettersen was in awe of the 86-year-old Queen's longevity. 'When you think of that, 60 years of service, that's quite a dedication,' he said. Dignitaries Upon the arrival of Selinger and other dignitaries at Pioneer Square, the crowd proudly sang O Canada before local singer Katrina Windjack performed God Save the Queen. The crowd stood looking across the street, where the Canadian and Queen's flags were raised up the poles near the Barrow Provincial Building. A sombre moment came when Philip and Cindy O'Nabigon of Cranberry Portage added an aboriginal flavour to the ceremonies. Philip led a traditional prayer while his wife walked around the park with burning buffalo sage, part of a smudging ceremony. The unique aroma of the plant quickly filled everyone's lungs. Other participants included the Whistling Loon Singers, an aboriginal drumming group from Cranberry Portage, and Maria Luz Alvarez, a trained soprano living in Thompson. The crowd erupted into applause when local artist Theresa Wride presented Premier Selinger with a framed caribou-hair tufting depicting a wilderness scene. The elegant piece is to hang at the Manitoba legislature for diamond jubilee events before being shipped to Queen Elizabeth II herself. Former governor general and Manitoba premier Ed Schreyer could not attend the opening ceremonies, but he was on hand for what many considered the highlight of the Royal Weekend. Saturday evening at the R.H. Channing Auditorium, he and wife Lily were among nearly 600 people to take in a three-part performance by the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. 'I think it was absolutely spectacular _ unabashedly so,' said Crystal Kolt, chair of the Royal Weekend organizing committee. 'We really wanted to show the Ballet that you could come to northern communities and you will get an amazing welcome. And then we also wanted to show the people here, take a chance, see if you like this art form.' See 'Astou...' on pg. 10 Continued from pg. 3 With astounding athleticism, the small but talented collection of dancers won over the audience with pieces entitled In Tandem, The Doorway: Scenes from Leonard Cohen, and Pas D'Action. It marked a belated homecoming of sorts for the world-renowned ballet company. The first record of the company traveling to northern Manitoba was 1959, when they premiered Les Whoops-de-Doo in Flin Flon. Formal dress was again the order of the day on Sunday afternoon, when the R.H. Channing Auditorium hosted the High Tea. One of the classiest local events of recent memory, the tea saw about 220 guests _ the Schreyers included _ commemorate the diamond jubilee with fancy food and fine conversation. The men wore their best suits and the ladies donned their finest dresses and hats. The servers _ army cadets, Knights of Columbus and The Coppertones among them _ also donned formal attire. After the tea, several of the guests made the short walk to Pioneer Square, where Lily Schreyer planted an amber jubilee ninebark shrub near the stage. As the plant blossoms in the coming months and years, it will serve as a lasting reminder of not only the Royal Weekend, but also the Queen's milestone. Interestingly, though not surprisingly, many of those attending the Royal Weekend had some sort of connection to the monarchy. Some had fathers and grandfathers who served in the Second World War under the British flag. Others recalled singing God Save the Queen in high school. Camped out MP Ashton noted that her grandmother camped out on the streets of London 60 years ago to attend the Queen's much-heralded coronation. MLA Pettersen made mention of Ron De Witt, a former Flin Flonner who was knighted in 2002, and of local hoop dancers who performed for the Queen in Winnipeg that same year. As chair of the organizing committee, Kolt felt the two-day celebration went 'flawlessly.' 'The weather was great, the participation was spectacular,' she said. Kolt dreamt up the Royal Weekend after receiving word the Royal Winnipeg Ballet would come to Flin Flon as part of a northern tour that also included Thompson and The Pas. She successfully applied for a federal government grant for diamond jubilee celebrations. Other sources of funding came and a memorable weekend was born. A series of events led up to the Royal Weekend, including etiquette classes and film screenings. And last week, residents had the chance to personally congratulate the Queen by signing a book of greetings, on display at City Hall, to be sent to her. The day after the Royal Weekend concluded, the celebration remained the buzz of the city. Mayor George Fontaine may have summed it up best when he addressed the crowd at the opening ceremonies. Observed the mayor: 'I would have to say, 'Only in Flin Flon.''
