Vernon will come alive in celebration of its country as Vernon Winter Carnival 2017 Celebrates Canada’s 150th.
While the event is months away, the new theme will help as planning gets underway for the Feb. 3rd to 12th event next year.
“With over 90 theme suggestions from the community; the board of directors had quite a task,” said Deb White, Carnival chairperson.
“The suggestions were wide ranged, from pirates to zombies, Canada 150 to cartoons. After much deliberation the board made the choice of Vernon Winter Carnival Celebrates Canada’s 150th.”
Red and white will obviously be recurring colours for the parade and upwards of 100 events.
“The theme will lend itself to a very patriotic atmosphere for the 10 days of the 57th Vernon Winter Carnival. We look forward to begin planning with the new theme and are we are always impressed with the ideas the community comes up with for their events,” said White, adding that some ideas have already come forward since the theme was announced at Thursday night’s event.
The region recently wrapped up A Mardi Gras Carnival, which was a huge success, said White.
“The community never ceases to amaze…we saw so many bright colorful and festive costumes and decorations. Attendance at all events was very satisfying. We are anticipating as much excitement for next year’s Carnival.”
Awards will also announced Thursday for top events, Carnival Cop (Gerry Manley), jopo/jopette (Colleen Heater), Christal Cam Memorial Award for Best Parade Spirit (Dog ‘O’ Pogo Dog Agility Group) and Carnival Spirit Award (Ruth McGrath Dance).
New event winner was Pianographicus, runner up was Burlesque on Bourbon Street. Commercial sponsor event winner was UnWined Downtown, first runner up was Thursday Mardi Party at Wings. Adult event winner was Mardi Party Adult Dance, Pianographicus was runner up. Carnival for the Disabled won Family Event with the Chili Cookoff as runner up. The Junior Event went to Masked Characters, followed by the Fancy Nancy Tea Party. The top senior event was Halina Street Mardi Gras Ball followed by the Senior jopo House Luncheon. Best sporting event went to the Polar Bear Swim followed by the Skating Party.
The society’s Annual General Meeting will be held in May.
For those interested in hosting a Carnival event, sponsoring, volunteering or wanting more information on the 2017 Carnival, contact the Carnival office at 250-545-2236 or info@vernonwintercarnival.com.
