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Twainiacs gather next week

Shania centre hosting ninth-annual convention

The Daily Press
By Kate McLaren
August 5, 2011

   
Shania Twain Centre manager Tracy Hautanen with Shania's dress she wore at this year's Juno Awards in Toronto.

Shania Twain fans from around the globe will flock to the Shania Twain Centre next week for the ninth-annual fan convention.

Although centre manager Tracy Hautanen said this year's convention will be "low key," Timmins will see participants from the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and the United States.

"We're OK with it being low-key this year," said Hautanen, explaining when planning the convention, organizers weren't sure of Twain's schedule come summer.

"We knew she had a book and a TV show coming out, but we didn't know what the dates and timing of it all would be."

When Twain was touring in the past, the annual event saw participation from hundreds of fans. When her career became quiet, however, numbers dropped.

"We're looking at about 20 people this year. It's going to be more of a reunion of friends."

Since the convention began nine years ago as a way to bring fans together from around the world, strong relationships have developed as people bonded over their love for Timmins' sweetheart, she said.

This year's convention, which runs from Thursday, Aug. 11 to Sunday, Aug. 14, will feature various events including a tribute to long-time fan Charlie Rinehart, a Michigan resident who died last year, along with horseback riding, karaoke, and a trivia contest.

This year's participants will be treated to new exhibits, including the dress Twain wore on the Juno awards as well as her wedding dresses from her January nuptials to new husband Fred Thiebaud.

"She's in the limelight again, so we're hoping to get more items like stuff from her Vegas shows."

She added she's made a request for the dress Twain wore when she took a tumble walking to the stage at the CMT awards in June.

The wedding dresses, which are the newest additions to the centre, will be kept under wraps so lucky convention participants can get the first look.

"This year more than any, it's a great time for the fans to get together, see some new things, but mostly just spend time catching up and have a little holiday in Timmins.

"They look forward to this every year. It's a huge highlight for them."

With the release of Twain's autobiography, "From This Moment On," a docu-series on the Oprah Winfrey Network, and Las Vegas show, Hautanen said she hopes next year's event will return to a "convention level."

"We look forward to growing the event again next year for our 10th anniversary, and we're going to incorporate some events with the 100th anniversary celebrations."

Convention participants will also have the chance to win autographed audio and print copies of Twain's book, along with a handmade cross-stitched portrait of the star.

The convention is set for Aug. 11-14, 2011 at the Shania Twain Centre in Timmins. More information is available at www.shaniatwaincentre.com or by calling the centre at 705-360-2619.

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