Olympic flame to grace Kitimat during Winterfest
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Updated: November 25, 2009 9:18 AM
The people of the snow will be able to embrace both the winter season and the upcoming Olympic games in late January.
This year, the five-day Winter Festival d’Hiver will begin Thursday, January 28 and conclude with the Olympic Torch Relay on Monday, Feb. 1.
The carnival will include a maple syrup festival, dog sled races, a rail jam and skiing competition alongside the torch relay.
“It’s going to be a big festival,” said Mayor Joanne Monaghan.
Held annually, the purpose of the Winter Festival is to celebrate cultural diversity. Tourists are expected from across the northwest, from Prince Rupert, Terrace and Smithers.
“In 2010, the goal of the winter festival will continue to focus on being a major community and northwest regional event,” district manager Trafford Hall informed council via report this month.
The preliminary schedule will see local students participating in sport and mini-Olympic competitions prior to the festival opening Jan. 28.
Other highlights are as follows:
Friday, Jan 29: cheesecake burlesque show at Mount Elizabeth Theatre; evening rail jam, snowboarding and skiing in the lower mall parking lot.
Saturday, Jan. 30: Riverlodge events, including a puppet show, maple syrup lunch, and dog sleigh rides.
Sunday, Jan. 31: Kitamaat Village to host family activities, barbecue and family heritage hike on snowshoes.
Monday, Feb. 1: medal presentations to children, free evening swim and skate passes for children, and Olympic Torch Relay.
Council agreed to grant the Association des Francophones et Francophiles du Nord-Ouest $3,750 for the festival.
