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.
Commentary by Kelly Carrington After living in the North for almost four years now, the long winters have a tendency to get to me. This past year, I joined the Bust the Winter Blues Festival Committee and I have to say, my winter blues were busted this past weekend. All of the work that was put into the festival really paid off this past weekend as things went fairly smoothly. Friday night, things got underway with the annual Kinettes' Trivia Night plus the free swim and skate. Even though it was cold on Saturday and this Maritime girl would have gladly stayed wrapped up in a blanket inside, the Festival was a blast. We didn't see as many people out this year to the Rotary Wheel, but with wind making it feel like -37, that was to be expected. For those who did come out to the wheel, we had a nice big, warm fire going inside, free chili, hot dogs and hot chocolate. When people weren't warming their toes by the fire, we had plenty of people interested in the smooshing event, taking place on the ice. The contest was for adults in the Health Challenge, but by the end of the day, children were trying their hand at the tricky sport as well. The snowshoe races seemed to go off without a hitch. I was tempted the join the adult race, but was caught up in a few other things. I did, however, get a chance to see the race. I have to say, I would have been still trying to put my snowshoes on by the time the rest of the racers were across the finish line. I'll have to try the sport when there is a little less competition. As for the horses, the children were having a blast! Any time I walked past the horses there was always a line up of kids. Due to the cold weather, we decided to move things up and get the Tribalath-a-lon going as the weather wasn't getting any warmer. Once everyone had finished their events and were done roasting their hot dogs, the Rotary Wheel was closed down. Next on the list Ð fireworks and a dance. I don't think I've ever seen such bright fireworks as I did Saturday night. Set off over the Creighton Community Soccer Field, the fireworks were short and sweet! From there, everyone made their way into Creighton Community School for the annual Mardi Gras Family Dance. Kids and parents spent the night dancing, playing and making crafts. The Bust the Winter Blues Festival came to a close Sunday with a fishing derby on Phantom Lake. About 60 people pulled up to holes to drop their lines and enjoy the warmup tent, when needed. This festival definitely helped to bust my winter blues!
