As winter reaches the halfway point, communities all over the southeast region are celebrating the season in their own unique ways.
Ste. Agathe Winter Classic
The second annual Winter Classic in Ste. Agathe will take place Saturday, February 18. The day will begin at 11:45 a.m. with the first of three hockey games from the Ste. Agathe Hockey League (SAHL), plus a children’s game of pickup hockey. Hot chocolate, hot dogs, and sleigh rides are sure to warm everyone up. Special guest Boomer from the Blue Bombers will arrive around 3:00 p.m. to stir up some fun.
The planning committee, comprised of seven local residents, views the Winter Classic as a perfect opportunity to highlight the town’s new outdoor rink, promote outdoor hockey, and give children the chance to watch their parents play.
“The Winter Classic was a great success last year with over 100 people showing up to play and watch,” says committee member Marc Robert. “Continuing the event only seemed like the logical thing to do.”
Île-des-Chênes Snowman Festival
Île-des-Chênes is starting a new tradition this year with the first ever Snowman Festival (Festival Bonhomme de Neige). The event will be run by Ritchot Chamber of Commerce volunteers.
“The idea of having a community winter festival was Chris Ewen’s, owner of Capo di Grande,” says Marc Palud, Vice-President of the Chamber. Yvette Bernat, the Chamber’s executive director, came up the idea of the snowman-building competition. Palud says the planning started six months ago.
The day begins at the TransCanada Centre with indoor activities from 10:00 a.m.–6:00, with local businesses showcasing their products and services. Businesses are also providing bouncy castles, henna tattoos, face-painting, the canteen, and hot chocolate.
The Lorette Ringette Association will host a skills competition in the arena while a variety of activities go on in the great outdoors, including a candy scramble, toboggan run, ATV hay rides, bonfire, and snowmobile showcase. Fireworks will follow at 8:00 p.m., followed by a Valentine’s-themed social. A $10 ticket will buy you a fun night of dancing, eating, drinking, and visiting with neighbours.
Niverville Family Snow Day
As Actif Epica rolls through Niverville on Saturday, February 18, Niverville Recreation is hosting an event at the arena to promote outdoor winter fun. Starting at noon, activities will include snowshoe races, snowman building, snow painting, tobogganing, and quinzee-building.
Racers from Actif Epica will begin biking and running through town around 1:00 p.m. Revelers are encouraged to cheer them on until the day ends at 3:00 p.m.
New Bothwell Winter Carnival
The annual New Bothwell Winter Carnival will take place February 24–25 at the Rec Centre. Friday kicks off with a cribbage tournament at 7:00 p.m. Registration begins at 6:45 p.m. A children’s movie and outdoor skating will follow.
Saturday morning begins with a pancake breakfast, followed by indoor and outdoor activities and a colouring contest. The afternoon will include bingo and a silent auction, followed by ice scrambles and skating. The canteen will be open throughout the afternoon and evening with homemade goodies and soups. Fireworks will cap off the day.
