February 4th, 2007 Winter Carnivals

Dark nights, thinsulate socks and the ever-present car starter signal that the days of winter are
still firmly upon us. As I grow older, winter sadly has lost much of it’s charm but the spark of
magic that happens when the sky opens and a dusting of perfect flakes descend, still remains .
Memories of afternoons bundled in pastel snowsuits, trussed up with homemade scarfs and
mittens on strings, playing in 10 foot snow banks or heading to Hillcrest park for hours of
sledding until we were so cold and wet through we trudged homeward to enjoy hot chocolate and
warm baths are definitely some of my happiest.

Canadians understand winter and love to talk about it, it’s the topic of choice at work, at coffee
shops and with strangers. It’s that area of commonality that we all share, our love or loathing of
winter coupled with that inner pride that we, as Canadians, can handle anything Mother Nature
may throw at us. It’s that pride that bursts out when all across the country, we celebrate winter in
a variety of festivals.

What is the largest winter carnival?

Carnaval de Quebec is the largest winter carnival in the world as well as one of the oldest.
Beginning with the first settlers in the area nearly 400 years ago, the beginning of February has
always been a time to celebrate winter. With it’s formal founding in 1894, the carnival which is
proceeded over by the jolly Bonhomme involves 17 days of activities in the old part of Quebec
City. The carnival devotes itself to the beauty of winter with lighted night parades, slide runs,
concerts, snow sculptures, races and it’s famous Ice Hotel, where guests can stay in rooms
constructed entirely of ice.

Does Canada have a national winter festival?

Winterlude/Bal de Neige in the Ottawa/Hull region is Canada’s official festival of winter.
Founded in 1979 by the National Capital Commission, the festival is designed to celebrate all
things that say winter in Canada. Winterlude/Bal de Neige are represented by the Ice Hog Family;
Mama, Papa and their children Noumi and Nouma. The festival features skating on the Rideau
Canal, extreme trampoline, ski and snowboarding shows, competitive ice craving and a huge
snow cinema where the films are shown on walls of snow.

Doesn’t Toronto have a winter festival?

Wintercity which runs between January 26 and February 8, 2007 is Toronto’s celebration. Not
being known for it’s snow and cold, Toronto’s festival concentrates on the indoor delights of
winter. This year there are special performances of children’s theatre, a big band concert at Casa
Loma, a winter themed opera, an inflatable play village and nightly free concerts throughout the
city. Even the city’s restaurants have joined in by offering Winterlicious, a special menu of foods
available only during the festival.

Isn’t Thunder Bay having it’s own winter carnival?

Yes, Fort William Historical Park will be hosting the Voyageur Winter Carnival from February
22 to February 25, 2007. The carnival will feature a pond hockey tournament, a classic rock
concert with Harlequin, Prism and Streetheart, as well as the premiere of the docudrama
“Morning in the Northwest”. There will be lots of family fun with races, a snow maze, a sugar
shack as well of lots of contests, tours and games and activities.

Talking about the carnivals, has put me in the mood for a little outdoor fun. Now I wonder where
I put that pastel snowsuit?

Lori Kauzlarick, Public Services Assistant, Thunder Bay Public Library