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.
The snow on the ground and the crisp air feel can only mean one thing Ð it's time for winter festivals. And Denare Beach's recreation office is on the case. Returning to the job, Jennifer Donaghy has got the weekend pretty well planned out for the annual Denare Beach Winter Festival. Taking place Friday and Saturday, the village will be swarming with trappers, children and the like. On the docket so far, there will be the annual Musher's Supper on Friday, as well as a family boot hockey tournament, children's events like animal calling and jigging, and even a crib tournament. As well, the annual Turkey Shoot will be taking place Ð giving eight families a chance to win a turkey. Continuing on with the fun, there will be a Trapper's Event with a log saw competition, nail hammering section and even a best-dressed Trapper contest. For the kids, there will be the Shwaga Winter Games with events like relay races, a golf and hockey challenge, and even fire starting and tea boiling. Donaghy says there is something at the festival for everyone, noting there will be a 25 cent dabber Bingo as well. Keeping everyone on their toes, the festival will host a new event Ð ice sculpting. With an artist coming in from Winnipeg, there will be a workshop where everyone will get to bring their creation home. As a side note with a laugh, Donaghy assures the ice is coming from Winnipeg Ð not Amisk Lake. Getting back into the job after leaving in 2006, Donaghy says she hopes to see between 300 and 500 people out for the events. As for getting the festival going, she says her stint a few years ago helped her. "There are a lot of new things, but there are a lot of old events (too)," she says. "The weather is nicer this year, so it won't be as cold down at the lake." To wrap things up, the annual social will be Saturday night as well as a bonfire with a hot dog roast at the Bay. "I'm excited about having people come out and have a good time," says the new recreation director.
