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Fan-tastic Weekend

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The Timmins Times
August 14, 2006
Maija Hoggett

The spirit of Shania Twain's music struck a chord with her fans again last weekend for the Shania Twain Fan Convention.

“I come for the comraderie. We've become our own little family,” said Lynne Clyde, of Edmonton, Alta.

“The people are all characters. Everybody has their own personality, but as different as we are, we all meld together.”

Clyde admits she was late to jump on the Shania Twain bandwagon. After attending her first concert in 2003, however, there has been no turning away from the impact Twain's stage presence and music has in her life.

“The energy transfers into her fans, they're always upbeat,” she said.

Attracting fans from across the world, this year's convention was attended by about 80 people.

Hailing from England, Fred Wildbur is one of the fans who travelled from overseas for the event.

This marked his second year at the convention. After attending last year, the impression the Shania Twain Centre and the convention had on Wildbur inspired him to get inked. He now sports a tattoo similar to the Shania Twain Centre logo on his arm.

“I thought it was a simple image, but really effective,” said Wildbur.

Attending the fan convention has given Wildbur a new appreciation for Canada as well. Last year he made the trip into a 10-day excursion, and this year is staying in Canada for a month. As for next year, he is still unsure if he’ll be back.

“I’d love to do it every year if I can afford it,” said Wildbur.

Now in the fourth year, the convention continues to grow.

The challenge of organizing the event falls on Shania Twain Centre manager Tracy Hautanen. She said the focus is always on showcasing Northern Ontario and the parts that have influenced Twain's life. This year, that focus brought fans to Mattagami First Nation.

Visiting a First Nation reserve was a first for Clyde, who admitted she didn't know what to expect. Following the visit she said she was charmed by the setting with the lakes and trees, and enlightened on how the people established their own village.

As the fans are heading home now, Hautanen was pleased with the feedback she received.

“Every year we meet new friends from throughout the world and look forward to seeing them again,” she said.

“It’s another successful convention. Many people have told me they want to come back again and that's what makes it successful for us.”

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