Having recovered from flooding June 6th, Fort William Historical Park re-opened to the general public in fine style June 21st by successfully hosting back-to-back community events in the Fort's amphitheatre.

For the sixth consecutive year, the Fort hosted the Canadian Cancer Society's annual Relay for Life. More than 1,000 participants braved intermittent rain to join in the overnight relay. The event was highlighted by the ceremonial survivors' lap, main stage entertainment and fireworks. The event raised $143,000.

No sooner was Relay for Life concluded than Fort staff swung into gear in setting up for National Aboriginal Day celebrations. Roughly 5,000 people attended the festival which featured drum groups, dancers, a traditional pow wow and a craft market. The event also featured Métis fiddlers and other First Nations musicians performing on the main stage.

Meanwhile, the historic site has re-opened for daily interpretive demonstrations. While a few areas still bear some effects of the flooding, (most of which are not visible to the general public) Fort staff have done a Herculean job in restoring the rest of the site.  The flooding not only affected Fort William Historical Park but also many property owners along the Kaministiquia River, which endured over 80 ml of rainfall within a 12-hour period. 

Fort William Historical Park is now looking forward to The Great Rendezvous (July 10-14) and The Battle of Fort William, July 29-30.