A few years ago, Westmount’s Community Events advisory committee thought people might like an escape from winter, so the members came up with the idea of transforming Victoria Hall into an imaginary cruise ship during the city’s winter carnival.
Residents cross a gangplank to enter the concert hall, which becomes the ship Westmount of the Seas, complete with tropical décor and menu where everyone can dance and party the winter blues away in the atmosphere of a tropical cruise.
This year, residents of all ages are invited to board Westmount of the Seas for a New Orleans bayou cruise on Friday, Feb. 2 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Kloda Focus Group will be entertaining guests with animators, lively music and lots of fun activities including a Mardi Gras parade. The menu will include such southern specialties as ’possum puffs (pogos), gator bits (crudités) greens and grits (veggie lasagna) and bayou beverages (juice and soft drinks).
There will also be a cash bar (beer and wine) for the grownups. Tickets are $10 ($5 for children 12 and under) and will be on sale during normal business hours at the Arena and Victoria Hall as of tomorrow, Jan. 19. So don your masks, costumes and beads and come out for an evening on the bayou. Spaces are limited, so be sure to get your tickets early.
Not up for a cruise? Last year’s successful pub night at Victoria Hall will be back for those 18 years and older who prefer to sit and enjoy some adult company and live music. The Lodge Room continues the New Orleans theme and becomes Bourbon Hall on the Bayou. MC Shawn Rourke will greet patrons, while Tom Stowe and Ross Brown—members of the group Northbrooke Nine—will be on guitar and bass providing some lively tunes. The cover charge is $5 with a cash bar (beer, wine and a southern surprise). Tickets are available at the Arena and Victoria Hall as of tomorrow.
This year’s winter carnival will be held from Thursday, Feb. 1 to Saturday, Feb. 3. Outdoor activities include tobogganing in King George Park, a taffy pull and old-fashioned sleigh rides in Westmount Park, as well as games at the Arena. An informative pamphlet will be distributed to all Westmount residents’ homes with the schedule of events.
Full details are also available online at
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• Virginia Elliott is the City of Westmount’s assistant community events coordinator.
Weather: Montreal, July 6th 2008 / 18°C
/ A few clouds
/ Wind: 11 Km/h / Humidity: 64 % 
Steven Guilbeault - 
