shania.funurl.com

Shania convention in star's hometown

.

The Canadian Press
August 12, 2006
Chelsey Romain

Shania Twain fans from around the world are gathering this weekend for a convention dedicated to the singing sensation.

On Thursday, they came together at the Shania Twain Centre for the fourth annual convention's official start.

The centre's newest exhibit is a small-scale replica of the Maple Leaf Hotel -- a now defunct local haunt where Twain got her start.

"I'm really proud to see that someone took the initiative to take a piece of the Maple Leaf and re-create it here," said Mark Richard, whose family owned the Maple Leaf until it closed several years ago.

"The Maple Leaf's part in Shania's destiny was small, but we're glad we were there."

"It was awesome that the fans were here with us when we officially unveiled this tribute to the Maple Leaf," said centre manager Tracy Hautanen.

For many, the convention means more than just seeing the latest exhibit. They say it is worth travelling great distances to be here.

"I come for the fans," said Timmins resident Paulette Sullivan. "The fans are fans for awhile and then they're your friends."

"It's so much fun and you get to meet people from all over the world, she added.

Tom Waller is originally from Scotland, but is living in Timmins.

He calls himself a late convert, since he only became familiar with Twain's music five years ago. But ever since, he has been a dedicated fan and is one of the few who has attended all four conventions.

"The people at the centre are very dedicated and are much like Shania herself: caring and down-to-earth," said Waller. "They are great ambassadors for Timmins."

Waller said he hasn't seen entire families as fans of one particular artist since the days of ABBA, and claims Shania has yet to write her best music.

Most heritage centres are museums for the dead, said Waller, adding that the Twain centre is for someone whose career has yet to peak.

Over the weekend, fans will travel through the community visiting places Twain frequented and meeting musicians she has played with.

"I'm looking forward to meeting [Shania's] band members because they just seem like nice people," said Phil Cornwell of England, who is here on his third visit to Timmins, adding he keeps coming back because of the people, the fans and the local people of Timmins.

"They are just so friendly."

.