Ideal weather draws a crowd to winter carnival

After some doubts were expressed during a warm spell in early January as to whether there would eventually be a cold snap, Westmount Sports and Recreation Department Director Mike Deegan said on Saturday that the weather for this year’s carnival ended up just right.

“It’s been a good crowd, it’s been a very good year,” he said.

“The weather’s been amazing. We’ve had such cold weather the last two weeks and then having this is just phenomenal.”

Starting last Thursday, the three-day celebration of winter began at the Contactivity Centre for senior citizens, where a Seniors Carnival Luncheon has for years been the carnival’s opening event. That night, there was family toboganning in King George Park.

On Friday, Westmounters had the opportunity to escape and become snowbirds for an evening, on a Family Carnival Cruise Party staged at Victoria Hall.

Parents and children who turned out dressed in masks for Mardi Gras enjoyed dinner, dancing and games on an imaginary vessel which was christened ‘The Westmount of the Seas.’ From 8 p.m. onward for those 18 years and older, the Mardi Gras theme continued with live entertainment and a cash bar at Bourbon Hall on the Bayou.

On Saturday at the arena from 10 a.m. onward, there were activities for the whole family, including a scavenger hunt, a broomball competition, outdoor skating, sleigh rides in Westmount Park, a sugar shack, face painting, a puck-shooting contest, a tug of war and free hot dogs.

Enjoying maple taffy on snow on Saturday afternoon, Mike Fortier, John Kruzer, and his young son, Devon, recounted the great time they had on the Carnival Cruise the previous night.

“There was terrific dancing and everything,” said Fortier, adding that older family members headed immediately to the adult event afterwards. “It was good entertainment last night.” According to John, Devon “danced the night away and had a good time. Today we did the puck-shooting contest.”

Sitting in back of a horse-drawn sleigh as it was about to set out for round-trip across the south playing field of Westmount Park, Thanasi Dionisopolulos and his children were all having a great time. “We’ve been here every year without fail,” he said. “It’s well-run and organized and a pleasure to be here. We’re very fortunate.”

— Photos by Martin C. Barry