shania.funurl.com

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Hundreds Toast Twain In Timmins

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Sat. June 30 2001 5:51 PM

(CTVNEWS.COM) Shania Twain wasn't there, but that didn't dampen the enthusiasm of hundreds of fans from around the world who converged on Timmins to open a museum dedicated to the country music star.

A cardboard cutout of Twain was used as a stand-in as Mayor Jamie Lim presided over the official launch of the Shania Twain Centre.

"Shania wishes very much she could have been with us today," Lim said of the 35-year-old songstress, who now calls Switzerland home and is soon expecting her first child.

"I know in her heart she's with us and our hearts are with her also."

The celebration was a particular thrill for John Kime, who traveled from Rotherham, England to meet with dozens of Twain fans who have until now shared their affinity for the singer on the Internet.

"I've been planning this trip for months," said the 46-year-old Kime.

"It's something I've been thinking of for a couple of years, to see where she grew up, got her start and get some of the famous Timmins hospitality."

The 3,000-square-metre fan facility has been five years in the planning and houses more than $1 million of the singer's personal memorabilia, which she donated to the project.

The centre cost $11-million to build although its hoped it will attract tourists and spur business in the northern Ontario town.

The federal government has announced it will kick in $600,000 to help cover costs of promotion.

The centre displays many of the sultry singers outfits, instruments and her first Grammy award.

Twain broke onto the scene in 1993 with her rocky country tunes, powerful voice and belly-baring outfits.

The dress she wore when she married producer Robert John (Mutt) Lange seven years ago in Huntsville, Ont., is hanging prominently at the museum.

Fans had been hopeful that Twain would make a surprise visit to Timmins on Saturday as she did last summer at her high-school reunion.

Her no show wasn't a surprise, however, considering her condition.

And the pending birth of her first-born has residents gearing up for the event.

They're including baby shower games at this weekend's festivities to open the museum and to celebrate Canada Day - a stroller obstacle course, a Pablum eating contest and a wet diaper toss are set to get underway.

Fans can also sign a baby book that will eventually be sent to Twain and her husband.

Proceeds from the event will go to local food banks - a tribute to Twain whose life is a genuine rags-to-riches story.

She struggled in the small town to care for her three young siblings after her parents were killed in a 1987 car accident.

Despite her absence this weekend, Twain keeps in close touch with her home town of Timmins and supports many local initiatives to bring business to the area.

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