It seems now that residents here have re-established connections with their North Dakota namesakes, their American cousins are just as interested.
Following a half-hour powerpoint presentation at council on Aug. 20, councillors looked over their booty (in the form of numerous Minto, North Dakota souvenirs).
While there, Mayor David Anderson and deputy-mayor Judy Dirksen took part in that community’s 125th anniversary and official opening of the new community centre there.
They also toured the area to visit another area namesake, Drayton, North Dakota.
Anderson described their neighbours as a very pleasant people, who want to experience the Redneck Games.
Anderson hopes to strengthen the sister relationship between the two communities.
He noted Dirksen was the official photographer for the event – and the plan is to put some of those images onto the town website – to share with other Minto residents.
“Our attendance was really appreciated,” he said, citing the signs welcoming them to the community.
He quipped, “I have the key to the city, but it doesn’t open the front door [to the city offices].”
“The spirit there is amazing,” he added.
Anderson pointed out that despite the community originally being settled by residents from Minto, Ontario, it has a very diverse ethnic background.
“It’s a very Polish community, but some there are still Minto descendants there.”
