The much-anticipated winter event is set to make its comeback this weekend with a lineup sure to please the whole family.
Carnaval de St-Isidore will be opening its doors from Feb. 13-15 to the public, allowing people to experience the vibrant Francophone culture.
The event started in 1982 and is still a very popular event for people from around Northern Alberta to attend.
“This is the 43rd carnaval that we’re hosting and our theme is Royon de Bonbon or Candy Kingdom,” says president Chantal Monfette.
“It will be a very colourful event that is sure to be kid friendly and happy for everybody. There are lots of colours and candy decorations helping to transport us all to Isidoria, our winter kingdom hall.”
Doors will open at 5 p.m. on Friday with food kiosks open to serve folks Francophone delicacies. The evening will also have balloon twisting, outdoor games, sleigh rides and a bonfire, maple snow taffy, musical entertainment, and the crowning of the Carnaval king and queen.
Saturday focuses on family fun with a scavenger hunt, face painting, lots of dancers and music, sleigh rides, a Carnaval King and Queen competition, balloon twisting, crib tournament, maple snow taffy, draws and prizes and capped off with a family dance at 9 p.m.
“It’s an important event for our community to promote our Francophone culture and to be able to spend a week with the school kids and weekend with friends and family,” says Monfette.
“It’s fun to share our culture and our wonderful food. It’s so important to promote our culture and show how important it is for all ages and for the future.”
Sunday is the final day with Carnaval Mass at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Isidore Church, brunch and a silent auction at 11:30 a.m. All activities will wrap up at 2 p.m.
Monfette says anyone interested in snow sculptures will also love all the outdoor activities with various designs being made outside of the St. Isidore Cultural Centre.
For more information or to see the complete schedule, please visit the carnaval website at carnavaldestisidore.ca
Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter