Families and friends bundled in their winter gear filled the quiet streets of Greater Sudbury's railroad town this past weekend, to take part in the triumphant return, of the Capreol Winter Carnival.
Its revival was spearheaded by Justin Seguin, co-owner of Firehouse Bar and Grill, who with a bit more time on his hands, felt the community had gone long enough without its beloved winter tradition.
There's not much to do in Capreol during the winter besides snow machining and things of that nature, Seguin explained, meaning a lot of families spend the season indoors.
Events such as the Capreol Winter Carnival give people an excuse to get out, try new things, enjoy quality time with their friends and family, he said, all while learning about what makes the community so very special.
In two short days, Seguin and eventual co-chair Derek Young, Northern Ontario Railroad Museum and Heritage Centre operations manager, compiled a team of 15 committee members to organize and host a portion of the weekend's entertainment. Which included, but was not limited to, lumberjack competitions, an antique snow machine show, a ball-hockey tournament and a chili cook-off between six local eateries.
The theme was Capreol, he said, and all the community loves - good food, outdoor activities, family and local history. Even the fact that six local restaurants could come together in friendly competition, he said, demonstrates the community's tight-knit nature.
With this being the first Capreol Winter Carnival in quite some time, Seguin said the organizing committee wasn't sure what to expect in terms of attendance, but they have been pleasantly surprised by the turnout.
"It's great to see the community coming together to make this happen," he said.
Saturday's event lineup concludes with live entertainment from Nashville country artists and retired military personnel, the Singing Soldiers, said Seguin. The likes of which, he went on to explain, use their music as a way to raise funds and awareness for military men and women who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.
Each year the organizing committee hopes to introduce new and exciting activities and entertainment to the Capreol Winter Carnival, said Seguin, but it's too soon to say what that will include.
"We want this to continue for the next 30 years, no more hiatuses," Justin said with a smile.
If you didn't have a chance to take part in Saturday's festivities, there is still one more day for you to join in on the fun.
On Sunday, the Firehouse Bar and Grill will be hosting Ball Hockey Championships, followed by a polar dunk at 12 p.m. Trinity United Church will be also hosting a free senior's tea at 1 p.m., with coffee, tea, desserts, and prizes.
The prizes of this tea, as well as that of the Ball Hockey tournament, Chilli cook-off, and snow sculpture competition, will be announced Sunday at 2 p.m., during a porketta lunch hosted at the Capreol Curling Club.
Find more information on the Capreol Winter Carnival's Facebook event page.
