Families gather upstairs for an afternoon of songs and fun (left), while others enjoy some free skate time during the carnival. (Submitted photos/Véronique Bernier)
Maple candy making

French Winter Carnival brings families together

Mar 15, 2022 | 2:26 PM

It was a time for celebrating culture and tradition at the French Winter Carnival on the weekend.

The event known as “Carnaval d’hiver,” organized by Centre Francophone des Battleford, is an annual tradition in the community.

Director Véronique Bernier said there was a good turnout of around 45 people for the event at the Don Ross Arena on March 12.

“We do offer things throughout the year to give an opportunity for the French community to get together and be able to do [activities] in French — to practice their French or to help their kids have French activities outside of school,” she said.

Bernier added events like the Winter Carnival are a good way to celebrate French traditions throughout the year.

Due to the COVID-19 precautions, the organizers decided to postpone the French Winter Carnival event for the past two years, so they were glad to be able to offer it again now.

“We have lots of people that know the celebration from Quebec,” Bernier said.

Those attending the event took part in an afternoon of free skating. Then, upstairs in the venue they participated in a variety of activities including maple syrup snow candy making. Families also had a chance to take in a special online show featuring Francophone songs, a magic show and a little comedy.

Bernier said most families taking part were from the local Francophone community. While some parents speak only English, their children attend French education schools in the area so they are interested in participating in French language activities too as a family.

“We always invite everyone to come,” Bernier said.

Angela.Brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow

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