By James Wastasecoot
The highlight of this year’s Winter Carnival was the Friday night performance of NorthsideBaby, a rapper from northern Alberta’s Dene Thá First Nation. But there was plenty of fun and frolics going on in numerous venues throughout the weekend. And the weather was nice.
“There was something for everyone,” said organizer and Rec Director Jonathan Flett. “It turned out better than I thought it would.”
Junior B’s played Norway House Cree Nation Flames on Saturday, drawing 1,200 fans who loudly supported their team to victory (see story in this section). Another highlight, the Indian Car contest, renamed this year to the “Native Car,” for reasons unknown, was conducted outside on the parking lot. “It was hilarious. If I hadn’t seen it for myself, I wouldn’t have believed you could squeeze 15 Indians in a Chevy Malibu in 22 seconds,” said spectator Wayne Wilson. But that was the youth event. The adult category failed – bigger people – well, there’s only so much room in a midsize car. Fittingly, the Indian car was dented and showing a bit of rust.
Did you know that our ancestors threw tires? Yep. It’s in the “traditional games” so it must be true. Along with the axe throwing, the tires were thrown just a few steps from the Arena entrance. They lost one axe in the snow, so keep an eye out.
Arm wrestling is always a favourite, moderated by Brittney and Cory Sutherland. Two stalwarts of the sport who’ve made it popular in Peguis. There were plenty of constants in every age category. The weight-lifting is another popular event – held this year in the Multiplex gym, coordinated by Edgar Stevenson.
At Lake St. Andrews there was a fish derby. Many contestants made the trip and came away with prizes. A volleyball tournament was held at the Peguis Central School gym where teams battled it out for prizes and for the sheer love of the sport, thanks to people like Lezley Sutherland who still plays and coaches.
On Sunday, there suddenly appeared women who seemed overdressed for the carnival. One wondered what the tall, beautiful woman in heels and make up was
doing at the Peguis Winter Carnival. Was she lost? No, it was the Drag Queen contest, another fan favourite. Reina Traverse is a Drag Queen who MC’d the Peguis Drag Queen Contest at the Peguis Multiplex on Sunday. Reina lives and works in Winnipeg as a drag queen full time at Club Happenings in Osborne Village. The club website features photos and videos of the nightclub where Reina is among the performers.
The drag queens danced solo on the arena red carpet. One, Shaniqua, seemed to lose her drawers, but, no, it was the slip, thank goodness. Without breaking stride she continued on with her performance, with much applause and cheers from the fans.
Arts & Crafts, Toy scramble, Grocery scramble and many more events brought people out to have fun and get caught up with friends and neighbours.
There were numerous volunteers without which the event would not have been possible. The list is long and isn’t published here. Look for this on Peguis Rec Facebook page in the next few days.