A cheery giant snowman across the street greeted Valley residents who gathered at the Brudenell Lyndoch & Raglan Community Centre and Arena to kick off the BLR Winter Carnival on January 30 by crowning their 2020 Snow King and Snow Queen. BLR Facilities Manager Jordan Genrick reminded the audience that this weekend holds something for everyone from hay rides to hockey, scavenger hunts to skating, plus a dance Saturday evening at the BLR Community Centre and Arena in Palmer Rapids. The Festival closes on Sunday morning with a big buffet breakfast. Mayor Sheldon Keller welcomed everyone to the annual event.
Gwen Schutt Coish, who has organized the Royal Snow Family event for many years, thanked the Recreation Committee and Marquardt Well Drilling for sponsorship. She explained the three elements of the competition: an essay submission, a question and answer portion, and the showcase section – an opportunity for the kids to demonstrate what they think is as their strengths, maybe telling a story or showing a piece of art, not just singing and dancing. Schutt Coish said “Every year is different” and this year competitors had entered only in the Junior Division (Grades 4 to 6). She explained that for those who participate, it’s lots of fun. The Snow Royals do the ceremonial puck drops during the Winter Carnival weekend and also help out at summer events like Canada Day. They also get to ride on the Royal float during the year-end Parade.
Jayden Weichenthal played guitar; Allana O’Brien sang a cappella
Emily Muscow told jokes while playing keyboard; past Snow Queen Tori Juhasz danced
This year’s contestants acquitted themselves well and showed very little nervousness. They all answered questions drawn at random and the strengths showcased were singing, playing guitar and keyboard, and telling jokes. While contest judge Bella Cox, visiting from Bancroft, tallied up the scores, some Royals from previous years entertained the audience. Then the new Royal Snow Family was announced and they received their crowns and prizes.
Snow King: Jayden Weichenthal (seated), Snow Queen: Allana O’Brien (right), First Runner Up: Emily Musclow (left).
Everyone then headed to the Arena next door to enjoy an exciting exhibition game of sledge hockey put on by the Bay Blades from Barry’s Bay. Congratulations to all who played, but Bay Blades organizer Anita Jessup gave a special shout-out to the two goalies as both of them were playing their first game in the nets.
Thanks for coming!!!!!