THUNDER BAY – Thunder Bay-area residents are being invited to celebrate Chippewa Park as it quietly marks its 100th anniversary on Thursday.
Earlier plans for a five-day family festival expected to draw thousands of people were shelved until 2022 due to COVID-19.
Instead, Mayor Bill Mauro and the Friends of Chippewa Park group urged residents to come enjoy the park on Thursday to recognize the centenary.
Mauro has proclaimed the date as Chippewa Park Day in honour of the occasion, recognizing the official opening of the park on July 15, 1921 by Fort William mayor Albert Hugh “A.H.” Dennis.
“For the last 100 years the Park has become a place for residents and tourists alike, and its features and services evolved over time, including the Chippewa Park Carousel which has been included in the City of Thunder Bay heritage register,” the city said in a statement. “[It] remains one of the most popular parks in Thunder Bay.”
While rides are closed for the summer at Chippewa, the Friends group arranged with the city for the WurlitZer Band Organ to operate on Thursday.
“The trails are open as are the picnic areas, beaches and fields and there is always the great view of Lake Superior and the Sleeping Giant to enjoy,” said secretary Iain Angus.
The Chippewa Park family festival is now planned for July 28 to Aug. 1 of 2022, with the Friends of Chippewa Park engaged in ongoing fundraising for the event.
