Heritage park attendance appears to rise

The number of visitors who toured the Oliver Paipoonge Heritage Park last month rose slightly compared to previous years, suggesting a return to a normal summer season for the Highway 61 tourist attraction.
"We had about 800 people in June, which I think is up from (the same time) last year," park curator Jean Mayo said on Tuesday from the facility a short drive west of Thunder Bay.
Mayo said she believes the bump-up in visits is partly a reflection of how people are loosening up in the post COVID-19 pandemic era.
"I think we're starting to venture out more, not being afraid of being around other people," she said.
Though Mayo didn't have exact numbers on Tuesday, she said some of the June tourist traffic has included Americans.
On Saturday, the park is to host its second-annual Classic Day, which is to feature live music and various displays, including antique farm tractors, radio-controlled cars and model trains.
When the park kicked off its 2024 season at the end of May, the facility's general store and village square exhibits were reopened following repairs.
The Municipality of Oliver Paipoonge supports the park with an operating budget of about $146,000.
Meanwhile, the Friends of Oliver Paipoonge Heritage Park group is in the process of seeking official non-profit status to help promote the facility and plan new events.
During July and August, the park is open Thursday to Sunday, 12-4:30 p.m.

Carl Clutchey, Local Journalism Initiative reporter, The Chronicle-Journal