Celebrating winter in Brébeuf

©Coourtoisie

This month, the Carnaval de Brébeuf will host its 50th anniversary event. From February 3 through February 12, Brébeuf will mark a half-century of celebrating winter. The community will rejoice in five decades of memories, outdoor games, music, stories, and unforgettable experiences that make the Carnaval de Brébeuf the outstanding event that it is.

History in the making

In March 1972, a then-20-something Ronald Provost founded the first Recreation Committee in Brébeuf. Under his leadership, the fledgling committee organized a carnival that winter. In doing so, it established a tradition that has carried on for 50 years.

A respected leader, Ronald Provost went on to serve as the mayor of Brébeuf for 18 years and becoming, as well, the préfet of the MRC des Laurentides for a decade.

Coming full circle, Mr. Provost is now heading up the organizing committee for the 50th anniversary celebration. “The longevity of the Carnaval de Brébeuf is a testament to the joie de vivre of the Brébeuf community,” says the former mayor.

Celebrating community

An enchanting ice palace created by Jacques Richer and Nöel Perreault will greet visitors to the best winter party in the region. Together with Manon Prévost, Richer and Perreault will transform Brébeuf into a magical winter wonderland.

The event hosts activities for all ages, including an ice sculpture exhibition, a treasure hunt, a family snow sculpture contest, bingo games, community suppers and a car rally. The snowy parcours – obstacle course – is certain to be a favourite.

©Courtoisie

New this year and the brain child of Julien Perreault, a snow blower contest will bring out the competitive spirit in everyone.

The fun gets underway at the Parc-en-Ciel on the evening of February 3 with a boisterous hockey tournament. Then it’s on to the town hall for an evening of live music with the country-western band, The Bounty Hunters.

Of special note is an evening with the band Baqqhus, which will play a program of Québécois favourites on February 4 at 8 p.m. at the town hall.

On February 10 at 7 p.m. there’s something that the younger carnival-goers won’t want to miss: an evening hayride for children with the event mascot, the Bonhomme Carnaval. It is followed by ice skating at Parc-en-Ciel on the community rink, adorned for the occasion with pine trees and lit with twinkling lights. An elaborate fireworks display tops off the night.

Steve Provost, Brébeuf’s home-grown musical sensation and a must-see, will perform at the town hall on February 11 at 9 p.m. He notes that, “It‘s an honour to take the stage for this community celebration.”

Included in his repertoire will certainly be the Chant du Carnaval, penned by his uncle Ronald Provost in 1975 and sung at every Carnaval de Brébeuf since.

A remarkable team

Four generations of volunteers with unbridled creativity have delivered an exceptional winter celebration year after year, decade after decade.

A remarkable volunteer team like no other has assembled to make this year’s event even more spectacular than the past fortynine. “We owe a debt of thanks to the tireless volunteers who are the backbone of our event,” states Ronald Provost, with evident gratitude.

Join the party

Brébeuf knows how to throw a winter celebration. It’s had 50 years of practice!

Peter Venezia serves as a director of the Comité des loisirs and is effusive in his welcome: “On behalf of our community, we invite you to share our winter celebration a half-century in the making. It won’t be complete without you.”

For the full Carnaval de Brébeuf program visit carnavaldebrebeuf.com

 

More from this author by clicking on her photo below.

Cathy Bergman

 

0 Comments

Leave a Comment

Login

Welcome! Login in to your account

Remember me Lost your password?

Lost Password