Staff
There are some big plans—and big fun—in the works for the 27th-annual Nestor Falls winter carnival now less than a month away.
“I like to bill it as a fun-filled weekend for the entire family,” said Howard Dodd of the Nestor Falls recreation committee, who is one of the many people working to organize the annual event.
This year’s winter carnival will run for three-straight days, starting on Friday, Feb. 27 and going through until the Sunday, March 1.
“We’re kicking things off in a big way on [the] Friday,” noted Dodd, “We’re having a tribute artist to Elvis Presley come in and do a concert.”
Billed as “A Night with the King,” the show is “officially” called “The Adam T. Elvis Show” and is backed up by the Good Rockin’ Tonight band.
“They’re out of Manitoba, and reportedly he’s one of the best tribute artists,” said Dodd.
Doors at the Nestor Falls Community Hall will open at 7 p.m., with the show kicking off at 8 p.m. (age of majority is required).
Tickets cost $20 each, but there are a limited number and they only are available in advance at Monique’s Lawg Caybun and Dalseg’s Fine Foods in Nestor Falls, or by calling 484-2615.
For those with some artistic skills, Friday also will be when the snow and ice sculpture contest is judged and the winners announced. While there is no entry fee, those interested in participating are asked to contact Selene at 484-2639 before Feb. 27.
A fun skate also is planned for the Friday from 4:30-6 p.m. at the Nestor Falls rink.
Then starting early at 7 a.m. on the Saturday is the fishing derby, which will run until 5 p.m.
“The fishing derby is usually a big thing, and we get a number of people going out and trying to win something,” noted Dodd.
The species involved are crappie, walleye, northern, and lake trout. There’s a $10 entry fee per person, with tickets being for on sale from Feb. 14 at Dalseg’s Fine Foods, Angler’s Pro Shop, and Mel’s Marine, as well as at the community hall on Feb. 28.
Two draw prizes for derby participants also will be given out, said Dodd.
“And those items are going to be, this year, a three-man portable Eskimo ice shelter and the other is a Vexilar fish finder.”
Fishing isn’t the only thing scheduled for the Saturday, though, as there are kids’ games running from 10:30 a.m.-noon at the curling rink. Following that is an event called “blind curling” at 1 p.m., with an entry fee of $5.
“Another one of the events that’s fairly new is the scavenger hunt, and people have a lot of fun doing that one,” said Dodd.
This event runs Feb. 28 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., with an entry fee of $5.
“And, of course, the cribbage tournament always [has] a good turnout,” noted Dodd, which begins at 11 a.m. that day.
For those who are the age of majority, a poker derby also is planned, running from 9 a.m-4 p.m., with an entry fee of $5/person.
Following the day of events, the event awards and attendance prize draws will happen at 5 p.m.
“Every year that we have this, we have one major participants’ draw that anyone who enters any kind of event [with an entry fee] has a chance to win,” said Dodd. “This year we’re giving away a 32” Sony LCD television.”
Rounding out Saturday’s events is a dance from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. There is a cover charge of $5 (age of majority only), with music provided by Yowza.
At this time, the events for Sunday (March 1) are somewhat up in the air, noted Dodd, but there definitely will be an all-you-can-eat pancake and sausage breakfast starting at 7:30 a.m. The cost is $2/person, and seniors’ and kids under 12 eating for free.
Then a ball hockey tournament will be held at 1 p.m.
Dodd encourages people from near and far to come out for the weekend and have a great time.
“For the local people, it’s a good way for the local people to support their community,” he remarked. “For the people out of the area, all I can say is it’s usually a great time.
“We’ve had people as far away as Chicago. . . . They enjoy the fellowship, and they just seem to have a great time.”
For more information about the Nestor Falls winter carnival, contact Kiley Hanson at 484-2615 or visit www.livethelakelife.ca
