Eager for the arrival of official spring inside the fortnight, carnival enthusiasts bid fond adieus to winter and the arrival of daylight saving time this weekend.
Plus-side temperatures and the last long night of the season favour good crowds for winterfest finales in Summerside and McIvers Friday and Saturday. The celebrations gain another fun-time hour Saturday, even as partiers gladly accept any loss of shut-eye as clock's are advanced to DST in the wee hours of Sunday.
The Summerside Lions Club is reporting strong attendance at carnival activities in that community this year, selling out its opening Lumberjack Breakfast last Saturday and its Wednesday turkey supper. It has included good showings its ladies darts night event, as well as strong interest being taken for its poker and scat card tournament, its men's and mixed darts events, and prize bingos. Tonight's (Thursday) Lions bingo grand prize is $1,250. Another big prize bingo closes carnival there, starting 1 p.m., on Sunday.
Talent shows set for 8 p.m.
It's also musical weekend on the Bay of Islands north shore at Summerside's 33rd annual carnival and at the 34th McIvers Winter Carnival, with respective local talent showcases set for Friday night and Saturday night. Big audiences are expected as talented performers and well-known area musicians take the stage in the successive 8 o'clock startups. Dancing, food, refreshments and prize draws are also on talent night calendar.
In McIvers on Friday, a big card game open to all-comers is set for 2 p.m. at the community hall, and a 30-game prize pool in merchandize bingo takes place there beginning at 8 o'clock.
A big carnival breakfast of eggs, ham, sausage hashbrowns, pancakes, toast, tea, coffee and juice kicks off the day Saturday, starting at 8 o'clock at the communtiy hall. At 10 a.m. indoor and outdoor fun events are scheduled for children. Parents and caregivers are reminded to dress themselves and their charges for the weather with temperatures yet forecast near 0 C degrees.
Milder temperatures of late have otherwise circumvented scheduled events at the naturally-iced rink at the Marshall Moores Recreation Centre in Cox's Cove, winter carnival festivities remaining in limbo, as of deadline.
Dave White welcomes your Bay of Islands news and events information at 660-5712, or email at: [email protected].
