One hundred and seventeen years of history is on the line as the Rossland Winter Carnival committee begins the planning in earnest for the longest running winter carnival in Western North America later this month.
And to deliver the annual affair—brimming with over 40 events—the carnival will need many pairs of willing hands to man their numerous offerings.
Around 200 pairs, in fact. Carnival committee member Lisa Wegner said people are needed now to help run and provide “crowd management” for the events in three weeks.
Toward that end, the committee is hosting a two-day drive for volunteers, setting up a table at Ferraro Foods on Friday, Jan. 17, 4-7 p.m., and again on Sunday, Jan. 19 from 4-7 p.m.
“This is an opportunity to meet people from around the world and to be involved in a major event for the city,” said Wegner. “Winter Carnival is the pinnacle event for Rossland.”
People can choose whatever event they wish to volunteer for. And there are many to choose from (see http://www.rosslandwintercarnival.com/).
The weekend will once again include the bobsled competition, King of the Mountain, Olaus Ice Palace, the Rail Jam and plenty of events for kids in its roster.
People are needed for a couple of hours or more, depending on the event, in order to pull the weekend off, said Wegner.
“No experience is necessary,” she said. “Nor any requirements. We just need people willing to commit some time for the weekend to the biggest event in the city.”
And it is the city’s premiere event. Winter Carnival attracts people from across the Kootenays and the U.S., as well as from around the world, for the four-day extravaganza.
Food vendors from all corners—including non-profit organizations, private vendors and merchants—are also needed and can contact Audrey Gerein at binoreo@live.ca for food vendor information. Vendors are required to have a food permit licence from the city, as well as Food Safe accreditation.
The weekend kicks off on Thursday, Jan. 23 with the Nelson and District Credit Union Variety Show at Rossland School’s auditorium, featuring the school’s drama club and Richie Mann and the Golden City Fiddlers.
“It’s through our sponsors such as Nelson and District Credit Union and Columbia Basin Trust that gives the Winter Carnival the kick start it needs,” said Wegner.
Note: For those wishing to go a little deeper into the Winter Carnival organization, one spot is still open on the organizing committee. See the website at http://www.rosslandwintercarnival.com/ for more details.