The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Smooshing, clydesdale horses and skating helped make for a successful winter festival this past weekend. An estimated 300 people were out for the Bust the Winter Blues festivities Saturday afternoon at the Flin Flon Rotary Wheel. Equipped with a well lit fire, the wheel turned out to be the ideal location for the festival, said organizing committee member Channa Senyk. "The wheel was the perfect venue," said Senyk. "There was a place to get away from the elements, but the take and the path are suited for the festival." The man-made lake hosted the smooshing event, followed by skating. Smooshing, a new event to the festival, was open to teams in the in motion 2010 Olympic Health Challenge. It set a competitive standard with a big helping of fun. "The smooshing was a first, but it's going to be an added attraction" to the festival, Senyk said. Also new this year were the sleigh rides. Bringing in clydesdale horses, parents, children and teens piled on the sleigh for the ride. The annual Kinette Trivia Night was held Friday at the R.H. Channing Auditorium, where roughly 40 teams put their knowledge to the test. As well, families took in the skate at the Creighton Sportex and swimming at the Flin Flon Aqua Centre. Saturday also saw snowmobile enthusiasts taking part in the annual Poker Derby Ð which made its way from Creighton to Denare Beach and then a stretch out to Bakers Narrows Lodge. The Mardi Gras Family Fun Night, on Saturday, saw another 300 people taking in the crafts, dancing, family time and healthy snack. Sunday wrapped up the festival with cards and a cribbage tournament. The sun was out for the festival as well Saturday afternoon as the temperatures made for a nice day. "I thought the weather played a huge part in making the weekend attraction," said Senyk. "It looked like everyone had fun." Over the course of the festival, Senyk heard many good things from those in attendance. "We heard 'good job' from a lot of people," she said. She said people were also commenting on the weather and that it was nice to see everyone out. Watch The Reminder for all of the results from the 2010 Bust the Winter Blues Festival!
