BONNYVILLE – The Bonnyville Friendship Centre will be welcoming the entire community to its Winter Festival that will run throughout the day on Feb. 25, starting at 3 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Bonnyville and District Centennial Centre.
“The Winter Festival is a day of engagement and sharing the exuberance of our rich culture for all ages in our community,” said Janet Gobert, the community initiatives coordinator for the Friendship Centre.
Attendees will be able to participate in several hands-on activities including necklace making with deer antlers, soapstone carving and even shinny hockey for youth aged 10 to 17.
Throughout the festival, there will be a total of $10,000 worth of cash prizes to be won through participation in various activities. This includes a jigging contest that is open to all ages.
For those only wishing to be an observer, the Centre has lined up a wide array of entertainers for the event.
“We are bringing in drum groups, an exhibition of dancers in regalia, a youth fiddler performer, Indigenous storytelling as well as an Indigenous ice carver,” described Gobert.
“One of our most valuable attractions we are providing is the historical re-enactment of a Treaty Day set in the late 1800s to early 1900s. It’s a moment you’d want to capture and that is why we have hired a professional photographer to come in and take pictures of guests with the actors in front of the display,” said Gobert, adding that a free picture will be included for guests.
People interested in taking part in the entire five-hour event won’t have to worry about packing a lunch either. The Friendship Centre will be providing bannock, chili, hamburgers and hot chocolate – all free of charge.
“You’ll truly want to stay till the very end, as we have Cryojets coming in from Calgary and fireworks as part of our closing ceremony,” said Gobert, teasing more featured events of the Winter Festival.
