Richard Froese
South Peace News
Francophone culture takes centre stage at the 42nd annual St-Isidore Carnaval from Feb. 14-16.
Plenty of fun, food and activities will be featured at the Carnaval, to be held at the St-Isidore Cultural Centre, and organized by the Society of the Cultural Community Centre.
“Excitement builds for the upcoming winter festival,” says Rachelle Bergeron, a member of the organizing committee.
“Join us for an unforgettable weekend of francophone winter magic.”
The theme for the event is Reveillon – a celebratory gathering that emphasizes tradition, warmth and conviviality, Bergeron says.
“Toembrace the festive Reveillon theme, the night sky will light up with a dazzling fireworks Friday at 11:59 p.m.
The duchess and duc competitions returns with teen girls and boys from throughout the region competing for the crowns.
Five girls are contesting for the crown of duchess.
- Annalee Labbe, McLennan, Grade 10, Ecole Heritage.
- Jordan Nelson, St. Isidore, Grade 10, Ecole de Quatre-Vents.
- Dani Paterson, Jean Cote, Grade 10, Ecole Heritage.
- Laurence Soucy, Falher, Grade 10, Ecole Heritage.
- Erika Veilleux- Marois, Donnelly, Grade 10, Ecole Heritage.
Four boys vie for the crown of duc:
- Jonah Beaudoin, Whitemud, Grade 10, Ecole Heritage.
- Yan Cote, St. Isidore, Grade 10, Ecole des Quatre-Vents.
- Maxime Lavoie, St. Isidore, Grade 10, Ecole des Quatre-Vents.
- Noah Velie, St. Isidore, Grade 11, Ecole Heritage.
The duchess and duc will be crowned at the opening show Feb. 14 at 7 p.m.
Snow-sculpting competitions return after being cancelled last year due to lack of snow.
“With snow on the ground and reasonable weather in the forecast, conditions are shaping up nicely for the snow-sculpting competition and some truly beautiful masterpieces,” Bergeron says.
Folk dancing takes a special spotlight with captivating performances during the festival.
Edmonton’s franco- phone folk dance group, Zephyr Junior will take stage, along with the local Plein Soleil youth and adult groups.
“The lively traditional music band Reveillons will not only perform, but also invite the audience to join in and try their hands and feet and folk dancing, especially during a family dance Saturday night,” Bergeron says.
Activities for all ages and the entire family are featured on the first two days which includes horse-drawn sleigh rides, a snow slide, face painting, a bonfire and winter fun..
French Canadian food features popular poutine, snow taffy, tourtiere, pates a la viande, pattes de lynx and Caribou, a sweet French-Canadian alcoholic beverage.
A Carnaval Mass at the St. Isidore Church is set for Feb. 16 followed by brunch.
More information and a schedule of events are available on the event website at carnavaldestisidore.ca.