Heather Latter
The Nestor Falls recreation committee is hoping the recent cold spell will break in time for its 33rd-annual Winter Carnival on March 7-8.
The bitter cold of last winter didn’t subside until after the event—leaving participants battling temperatures of near minus-40 C with the wind chill, whether they were taking part in outdoor kids’ games or the fish derby.
“It was bitter last year, just terrible,” noted rec committee member Howard Dodd.
“We are really hoping it’s not that cold [this year] because it will knock out a few of our events if it is.”
As usual, the committee has put together a huge slate of fun activities for the whole family.
Dodd said the ever-popular fishing derby is a go once again, running from 7 a.m.-4 p.m. on the Saturday.
“There is an entry fee of $10 per person and tickets for that can be purchased at the community hall, Mel’s Marine, Nestor Falls Bait and Tackle, and Gill’s Trading Post in Sioux Narrows,” he noted.
Dodd stressed it’s a fun tournament, with divisions for trout, northern, crappie, and walleye.
“Any age is welcome to fish and the prizes are amazing,” he added, noting the main prize is a “Big Boy 6” hunting and fishing shelter sponsored by Helliars Resort.
There also will be a winter photo contest running from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. that day.
Residents are encouraged to submit their favourite winter photo, which will be on display in the community hall, where people will be able to vote for the one they like the best.
To submit a photo, call Lori at 275-7066.
Also on the Saturday, there will be free games for children at the curling club from 9:30 a.m.- 11 a.m., followed by “blind curling” there at 11 a.m.
Back at the community hall, the canteen and bar will open at 11 a.m., when the annual cribbage tournament will get started.
There is a $10 fee per team.
Then from 1-3 p.m., kids will be able to see “Ralphie the Clown.”
“I’m really glad we are able to have so much for the kids to do,” Dodd remarked, noting there are activities throughout the weekend for all ages.
A new event this year will be the “Wacky Winter Wipe Out” hosted at Sunset Cove Resort, located south of Monique’s Log Cabin Restaurant.
“There will be a number of different winter challenges,” Dodd explained, noting teams of four will be invited to take part.
The event is scheduled from 1-2 p.m. (for more info, contact Erin at 276-0650).
Participants of the fish derby can check in at the community hall from 3-4 p.m.
Then at 5 p.m., winners of the day’s events will be named and prizes handed out.
Saturday’s activities will conclude with an age-of-majority dance from 9 p.m.-1 a.m., with music provided by the band “Rockbox” of Winnipeg.
“They play a variety of music,” said Dodd.
“They have been in Nestor Falls and have a pretty good following, so we’re expecting a really good turnout.”
Advance tickets, which are $10 each, are available at Dalseg’s Fine Foods.
Safe rides home will be provided by North Air Services.
Activities then continue on the Sunday with an all-you-can-eat pancake and sausage breakfast sponsored by the Sioux Narrows/Nestor Falls Fire Department.
“That’s when we’ll give away our all-participants’ prize, which is a $500 Visa gift card,” Dodd said, noting the names of all participants who have join in any of the main events will have their names included in the draw.
Then at noon, there will be a skijoring demonstration at the community hall.
Over at the Log Cabin Restaurant, meanwhile, the ball hockey tournament will get underway.
“Despite the cold last year, we had a really great ball hockey tournament so we’re hoping it will be great once again,” Dodd remarked.
Those interested in taking part can call Jamie (276-0260) or Kyle (276-7311).
Dodd admitted there was a time earlier this year that the committee was unsure whether it would be hosting the annual winter carnival due to a lack of volunteers.
“Once again, members of the curing club, Sioux Narrows/Nestor Falls Fire Department, and the Nestor Falls Flyers hockey team came forward to help organize the event,” he noted.
A number of local residents also stepped up to the plate, he added.
“It’s something we’d really hate to lose,” Dodd stressed, noting he’s been involved in the winter carnival for the past 20 years.
“It’s brings out a sense of community,” he reasoned.
“And it’s great for any of the local businesses that are open because they’re sure to see more people stopping in over the weekend.”
Dodd added they always have had plenty of support from the community for the event and they hope to see plenty of people out this year.
For more information, call Lori (275-7066) or Judy (484-2788).
