A week of winter fun
Truro Long John Festival returns
TRURO — The chill of winter can't stop the upcoming Long John Festival from being a fun-filled week of games and events.
"It's a tribute to the cold months," said Saribel Deslauriers, executive director of the Downtown Truro Partnership. "It's for people to know that there's still a lot of things you can still do even though it's cold."
With loosened COVID restrictions, this year will be a return to form for the festival with many communitybased events taking place from Feb. 10 to 20.
The first event is a free NHL Alumni hockey game at the RECC at 7 p.m. on Feb. 10. This game will feature former NHL pros Shayne Corson, Mathieu Dandenault, David Brine, Georges Laraque, Terry Ryan and André Roy. They'll be playing against a team of local leaders, including MLA Dave Ritcey, MP Dr. Stephen Ellis, Jr. 'A' Bearcats general manager Jamie Barbour and more.
Valentine's Day will be super fun for those interested in going to the United Way of Colchester's Soup Fest. Ten to 12 chefs will be bringing their best soups for guests to taste test and vote for. Tickets can be purchased online at eventbrite.ca or by calling the United Way Colchester office.
On Feb. 17, Mayor Bill Mills challenges residents of the town to wear their long johns to work, school, or while out and about. Deslauriers said that there will be a chance to win prizes for those that upload photos of themselves in their long johns to the event's website (trurolongjohn.ca).
The Ice Sculpture Festival will be taking place on Feb 17 and 18 and will feature renowned artist Rob Miller.
"The artist that we have, he does ice sculpting in the Dartmouth Ice Festival," said Deslauriers. "We're super excited that we're able to bring that here to Truro."
Johnny Long John's Big Park Adventure will be held throughout the festival, encouraging residents to ski, snowshoe, fat bike or hike through the Railyard to find eight QR codes, which will take people to a website to submit a picture for a chance to win a prize from Hub Cycle.
Several other events will be held throughout the week, including a guided night hike, a Long John storytime and craft event, a nighttime fat bike ride, and several more. A full list of activities can be found on the event's website.
Deslauriers, excited about this year's activities, spoke of the fun the festival provided for her family last year by renting equipment from the town to participate.
"Through the Town of Truro Parks and Recreation, you can borrow snowshoes and cross-country equipment," said Deslauriers. "Myself and my family did those things through Victoria Park and it was amazing. The fact that you get to try those things for free, you don't have to invest in equipment, is fantastic."
Desluariers also said Johnny Long John (the festival's mascot) will be making an appearance throughout the week. She encourages residents to take part in the winter-themed festivities.
"Bundle up and go outside," she said.