Cori-Lynn Lemaitre grew up with the Walden Winter Carnival — it was an event she attended year after year. Even after she moved away, she would come back home to take in the festivities.

Now that she is a permanent resident of the area again, she wants to ensure all the kids currently growing up in the community have the same positive experiences she had.

“I can't imagine Walden doing without it,” Lemaitre, a carnival committee member, said.

This year, the weekend carnival runs from Feb. 9 to 12. With the purchase of a $4 button, community members can take in a plethora of activities, from boot-hockey to the petting zoo to a youth social to kids' snowmobile and ATV rides.

There is “a little bit of everything,” Lemaitre said. After 39 years, the carnival continues to pride itself on offering something for every family member, including live performances for tots to an adult comedy show.

Committee member Tanya Cormier said the carnival “is bigger than people think it is.”

What's helped it grow, according to the committee members, is the community support that backs the annual event.

“It involves the community,” Lemaitre said. The committee that puts on the carnival begins meeting in September. By December, the group meets once a week. Then community members hop on board.

“Lively is built on small entrepreneurs. They dig deep into their pockets.”
To show its appreciation, the carnival committee hands out a merit award each year. This year, Northern Uniform is receiving the honour — for years, the company has supplied the carnival with floor coverings, according to Lemaitre.

Admission to most carnival activities is a button. Each year, students from area schools are invited to design an image to be featured on the buttons — this year, the work of Joelle Huot will be showcased. The Grade 5 student from St. Paul used images of hot chocolate, sliding, skating, kettle corn, face painting and a snowflake to depict what the carnival is all about.

The image will also be used to decorate the cake enjoyed during the opening ceremonies.

“All the kids know how important this is,” Lemaitre said.

To purchase a button, visit Battistelli's Independent Grocer, Home Hardware or the Kwik-Way.

For more information, visit waldenwintercarnival.com.

Posted by Arron Pickard