LEWISPORTE -
The countdown is on to the beginning of the annual Lewisporte Winter Carnival set for Feb. 8-13.
Town of Lewisporte recreation director Derek Bennett said there are many events scheduled throughout the six-days of the Carnival that will appeal to a variety of people.
"There's an opportunity here for everyone to participate in the Carnival activities," said Mr. Bennett. "We have also strived to keep things at low or no cost and included events (consult Carnival schedule for dates and times) such as free skating, free bowling, a sliding party and community bonfire with treats provided."
Throughout the week there will be a variety of delicious meals prepared by various churches and local service organizations. One to note is the community breakfast on Monday morning at the Anglican Church auditorium from 7-10 a.m. with the profits from the event going towards helping earthquake victims in Haiti. Monday will also feature free Winter Carnival bowling and the sliding party at Masonic Hill.
Tuesday is a busy day with a Tea and Bake Sale at Pleasantview Manor, free Winter Carnival skating, Texas Hold'em Tournament, Lions Bingo and Friendship Night for the Guiding groups.
Wednesday there is more free skating for adults and pre-school age children, an afternoon at the movies at Lewisporte Intermediate, Kinsmen Bingo and community bonfire at the entrance to Woolfrey's Pond Park with family fireworks, hot chocolate and yummy s'mores.
Thursday the fun continues with a free seniors skate (50 plus), soup and sandwich with bake sale and surprise packages by Rock Solid Youth, 500's card game and more Texas Hold'em.
Heading into the weekend Friday features pizza bowling at Winter Fames lanes, skating exhibition and family skate (free admission to both events), free pool, ladies night out, a Pee Wee hockey tournament, pre-teenage and teenage dances and karaoke.
Rounding out the last day of the Carnival festivities is a community breakfast at the Lewisporte Yacht Club, continuation of the hockey tournament, crib tournament, spelling bee at the Lewisporte Memorial Public Library, a Valentine party for seniors at North Haven Manor featuring entertainment by Glen Fudge (all seniors are invited), family skating, Kinsmen Sweetheart Steak Night and Dance and DJ and karaoke at another venue.
Not on the schedule this year is the Family Day events or the snowboarding demonstration.
Mr. Bennett explained that Family Day was not included as participation numbers have been traditionally low at past Winter Carnivals due to so many events happening on the same day.
The idea will be revisited again for the 2011 Winter Carnival.
As for the snowboarding demonstration, most of the snowboarders who take part in this event are attending post-secondary and won't be in town during the Carnival. Mr. Bennett hopes the event can return in future years as a new generation of snowboarders comes on the scene.
Ongoing events throughout the Carnival will include the friendly snow sculpture competition. The contest is open to individuals, families or groups.
Mr. Bennett asks that once you complete a sculpture to immediately call the Town Hall at 535-2737 or Mr. Bennett at 541-0086 so your sculpture can be judged and photographed before the elements change any of it's colours or features. Prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers.
The inland trout fishing contest will be held from Saturday, Feb. 6 to Sat., Feb. 13 with the final weigh-in at 4:30 p.m. Prizes will be awarded for the two heaviest brook trout and the heaviest trout of a youth 12 and under.
There will also be a pre-school and elementary school art contest taking place in the schools throughout Carnival week with prizes to be awarded as well.
Mr. Bennett hopes everyone from Lewisporte and area will make an effort to take part in some Winter Carnival activities, especially those organized by volunteers.
"Volunteer organizations put a lot of time and effort into hosting events for the Winter Carnival and it would be great if the public came out and showed them support in their efforts," he said.
Mr. Bennett reminds people that any outdoor events are dependent on the weather. You can call the Town or Mr. Bennett at the same numbers as listed for information on events or listen to the radio or visit The Pilot website at www.lportepilot.ca for event postponements.
The full Winter Carnival schedule can be found in The Pilot this week, on the Town of Lewisporte website at www.lewisportecanada.com or by picking up a Carnival pamphlet at various locations in Lewisporte.
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