Visitors invited to a cozier version of Bear River Carnival

This year marks the 11th annual Bear River Carnival, and delivers a cozier version of the usual ambitious agenda, largely due to the fact that organizer Sue Comeau is coping with a family illness – but even with that, Comeau said, “The fun must go on!”

The annual carnival is being held Feb. 9-11 in the village and includes the ever-popular snow and ice sculpture contest with this year’s prizes donated by Duffer Wilson of Bear River Plastics.

Comeau said she was really pleased that Wilson stepped in to help out with the carnival this year and that he’s also donating three prizes for the snow/ice sculpting contest – first place will win $100, second will win $75 and third will receive $50.

Sculptures can be started Friday and must be completed by 3 p.m. on Saturday. All who enter must sign up on the map at Cherry Brook Grocery Store so the judges know where to view the sculpture.

“Some people go all out,” Comeau said. “People take this contest very seriously and some of the creations are fantastic.”

Also on the schedule this year is a special art exhibition at Sissiboo Coffeee Bar. The warming station upstairs at the Bear River Legion will be offering free hot chocolate. The Club 400 Winter Active Team will be showcasing snowshoeing, Nordic walking and kick sledding along the Bear River Waterfront from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. A free snowshoe hike will be held at the Cornwallis Interpretive Trail starting at 1 p.m. Saturday and Myrtle and Rosie’s has luncheon specials each day.

The Maple Syrup Snow Sucker Stand will still be happening, also along the waterfront, from 1-3 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, and the firefighters will host their annual Valentine’s supper. On Saturday night, The Caleb Miles Band will be rocking the Oakdene Centre on Clementsvale Road starting at 8 p.m. The annual ATV/Snowmobile Follow Me Run will happen Sunday from 9 to 5 p.m. with a meet-up at the Power House in Bear River.

Also at the Oakdene Centre, as part of this year’s festival, is an art show and contest Self Revelations: ‘Youth and Wild Things.’ Entries will be accepted at the Bear River Winter Art Show from Feb. 9 to 11, and prizes will be awarded for best work. For more details on this opportunity, contact kenflett@gmail. com.

Comeau said next year, the village festival will be back to its normal capacity and will be better than ever, however she’s also certain, that everyone will still manage to have a great time this year.