It was the Americans coming out on top in the annual tug-of-war between Fort Frances and International Falls Friday.
It appeared the Canadians would earn a three-peat, but a hard tug near the end forced Fort Frances Mayor Roy Avis and his team to concede defeat.
"It was a good challenge. We fought hard, but we didn't make this time," says Avis. "We have to let them win at least once so the challenge will go out again next year."
Speaking for the Falls side, city administrator Rod Otterness was pleased their effort and looks forward to defending the title next year.
"It is fun to win," says Otterness, "there's no question about it. But the event from our perspective was exciting. There's a real scene of drama when the rope becomes taught and everyone beginnings pulling for their respective countries."
It appeared the Canadians would earn a three-peat, but a hard tug near the end forced Fort Frances Mayor Roy Avis and his team to concede defeat.
"It was a good challenge. We fought hard, but we didn't make this time," says Avis. "We have to let them win at least once so the challenge will go out again next year."
Speaking for the Falls side, city administrator Rod Otterness was pleased their effort and looks forward to defending the title next year.
"It is fun to win," says Otterness, "there's no question about it. But the event from our perspective was exciting. There's a real scene of drama when the rope becomes taught and everyone beginnings pulling for their respective countries."
