Seven Wonders nominations closed

The Review
Local News - Tuesday, July 24, 2007 Updated @ 5:18:04 PM

John “Ringo” Beam is one of the most popular wonders in Niagara Falls.

For those of you wondering, “Who is Ringo Beam?” think back to previous municipal elections. Beam, an ice salesman by trade, has twice run for the city’s top office, pledging in 2003 to unite a fractured council by taking everyone to Hooters for beer and chicken wings.

Beam isn’t the only individual to be considered one of the Seven Wonders of Niagara Falls: Former mayor Wayne Thomson, city historian Sherman Zavitz, Hollywood director (and Niagara Falls native) James Cameron, wire-walker Jay Cochrane, local everyman Pat Simon and photographer Rick Stokes also made the list.

Other wonders on the list may be more immediately recognizable: The Niagara Glen and Whirlpool, the webcam which shows Niagara Falls to people around the world 24/7, Big Becky and the Botanical Gardens.

Icons such as Brock’s Monument, the Skylon Tower and the Rainbow Bridge are also popular, as are local haunts such as Jake’s Chip Wagon, the Capri, Simon’s, the Flying Saucer, Basell’s and the Sundowner.

In Fort Erie, the Point Abino Lighthouse remains a strong contender for one of the seven wonders of Niagara’s southernmost municipality.

The Peace Bridge, International Train Bridge, Crystal Beach beach, Mather Arch and Bertie Hall are also popular choices, as are local secrets, the Coal Docks, Shoe Tree and the “castle” on House Road.

Nominations for the Seven Wonders of Niagara Falls and Fort Erie are now closed and are being reviewed by a panel of judges. The seven wonders of each community will be released in The Review and online at www.niagarafallsreview.ca later this summer.