Brewer preparing for CANUSA games

Little did Wynston Lynn of Brewer and Raymond Drake of Riverview, New Brunswick, realize the tradition they were about to set in motion when they seized upon the idea of the CANUSA (Canada-United States) Games 26 years ago.

Their concept of an annual, Olympics-style, competitive event between the cities of Riverview and Brewer has blossomed into the annual, cultural and civic pride-inspiring event it is today.

CANUSA is held in Brewer or Riverview on a rotating basis. This year, the games are in Brewer Thursday-Sunday, Aug. 11-14.

The games feature competition in sports such as golf, volleyball, basketball, softball, tennis, soccer, badminton, track and field, and swimming. CANUSA also offers a drama competition, dances, a cookout and a pancacke breakfast.

“We look forward to it every year, obviously” said Ken Hanscom, Brewer Parks and Recreation director. “We send mailings and flyers out in May to remind area school children and parents when the games are.”

Hanscom explained that the sooner people circle the dates and prepare, the better – because there are always plenty of last-minute complications.

This year – as usual – the big, last-minute complications are finding housing, or “host families” for the visiting Canadians, and the slow pace of early sign-ups by CANUSA participants.

“We need houses. We are hurting, we need 35 beds for these (Canadian) youngsters. So we’re hoping the area responds again and we can have billeting wrapped up next Tuesday,” said Hanscom. “We don’t want to have to house them in the auditorium.”

Hanscom said it was ironic they were still short of host families since the numbers of Riverview visitors are down from previous years.

“They usually bring 150-180 people. This year they’re looking at 120-130. They’ve always brought down two big busloads of people. But they may only have one bus and a van this time,” said Hanscom, who attributed the decrease to the U.S.-Canadian monetary exchange rate.

Only 45 people have registered from Brewer so far. According to Hanscom, 85 to 100 have been registered by now in past years.

The arrival of the CANUSA torchrunners from Riverview is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 11 at 4:30 p.m. Shortly after, the lighting of the CANUSA flame will officially start the games.

New additions to the schedule this year are adult bingo and a “CANUSA spirit splash” pool party-type event.

Changes have come to the schedule also. Most of the adult events have been moved to either Thursday evening or Saturday to allow more adults to participate without taking time off from work.

Also, the drama competition has been moved to Friday night to allow more people a chance to see it.

The games cost the city approximately $8-9,000 to put on. Some of the cost is defrayed by registration fees of $10 for residents and $15 for non-residents.