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Shania's fans gather again in Timmins

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The Record
August 12, 2006

Shania Twain fans from around the world are gathering in Timmins 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 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.

"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,'' centre manager Tracy Hautanen said.

For many, the convention means more than just seeing the latest exhibit.

"I come for the fans,'' Timmins resident Paulette Sullivan said. "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, originally from Scotland but currently living in Timmins calls himself a late convert since he only became familiar with Twain's music five years ago.

But Waller is a dedicated fan -- 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,'' Waller said. "They are great ambassadors for Timmins.''

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 (Twain's) band members because they just seem like nice people,'' said Phil Cornwell of England, who is on his third visit to Timmins. He said he keeps coming back because of the fans and the people of Timmins. "They are just so friendly."

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