Poor Young Things to play free show during Can-Am Police-Fire Games opening ceremonies

THUNDER BAY -- A busy July weekend just got even busier.

Thunder Bay’s Poor Young Things on Wednesday were unveiled as the Sunday, July 17 headlining act at the opening ceremonies of the 40th annual Can-Am Police-Fire Game, a free concert being staged at Thunder Bay’s Marina Park.

Games manager Doug Henry said the concert is a way to further involve the community in the week-long event, which begins on July 16 and conclude eight days later.

“This is a chance for all of our community to come together on Sunday, July 17. The public is invited to meet the competitors, but there will also be food, music and some great demonstrations by first responders,” Henry said.

“There will be a SWAT demonstration that will definitely impress. The OPP Golden Helmets Motorcycle Ride is also coming to Thunder Bay for that event, so we hope people will come down and support the afternoon.”

Poor Young Things are a perfect fit as the musical component of the three-hour ceremony, scheduled to begin at 1 p.m., Henry said. 

“They’re a Toronto-based band that feature five hometown boys and they’re coming back to the city help us kick off the event,” Henry said.

“We’re really pleased to have them. They were the 2013 Sirius XM emerging artist of the year are doing great things in the music industry.”

Henry said the ceremony shouldn’t get lost on a weekend that includes Fort Fest at Fort William Historical Park on the Friday and Saturday and the conclusion of the Staal Foundation Open at Whitewater Golf Club.

“That’s fantastic,” Henry said. “People have so many opportunities and choices and we know they’re going to support all of those great events. And we’ve got the Blues Festival the weekend before that, so a really busy July.

“But we know Thunder Bay always comes out and supports and makes those events worthwhile and we have no doubt it will happen again.”

Also revealed at Wednesday’s news conference were details of the Toughest Firefighter Alive Competition, a way for firefighters to demonstrate the skills needed for their day-to-day jobs. It’s scheduled for July 17 and 18.

Thunder Bay Fire Rescue’s Daniel Beg was put through the paces during a sneak peak of some of the competition’s events.

A panting Beg said it’s a true test.

“It’s extremely tough. As you can see, I’m still trying to catch my breath just after doing one event,” said Beg, an eight-year TBFR veteran. 
“All it is, is a showcase of real-life firefighter skills and jobs we have to do on duty.”

Details of all the competitions during the Games  can be found at www.thunderbaycanam.com.