Winter Festival swings into action at English Pavilion

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This article was published 30/01/2015 (4115 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Standing arm and arm, Lt.-Gov. Philip Lee and The Beetles’ drummer Mo Karrouze sang “God Save the Queen” to hundreds of people at the English Pavilion last night — a sure sign the 12th annual Lieutenant Governor’s Winter Festival is in full swing.

Just moments later, Lee officially opened the three-day festival, which includes 10 pavilions this year.

“As Manitobans, we all like to think of our province as a place of friendly, supportive communities and we often think of our climate as part of what encourages that spirit,” Lee said. “From the earliest days of our province, Manitobans have come together to help one another through winter, including the physical challenges of snow and cold and the emotional challenges of darkness and cabin fever … Summer friends will melt like summer snows, but winter friends are forever friends.”

Dignitaries — which included federal minister Jason Kenney, provincial minister Drew Caldwell, MP Larry Maguire, MLA Reg Helwer, Mayor Rick Chrest and several city councillors — descended on the pavilion, which is located at the Victoria Inn, for a taste of English culture.

Inside, Maypole dancers entertained as they circled a giant pole spinning ribbons in a mesmerizing pattern.

Monty Python wannabes sashayed, strolled and stepped through the room as part of a re-enactment of “The Ministry of Silly Walks” that had festivalgoers roaring in laughter.

However, it might have been Jimmy Sweet vocalist Tara McCrae Taylor who stole the show as her voice filled the room during a rendition of Vera Lynn’s “We’ll Meet Again.”

Joanne and Steve Malkowich got goosebumps when Taylor belted out the iconic song that was made famous by Lynn in 1939.

Joanne sang along and admitted the song took her for a trip down memory lane.

“I was brought up with those songs and I love music,” she said.

Following the performance, The Beetles took centre stage, cranking out hits from Britain’s mop-top legends.

Pavilion organizer Heather Karrouze admitted she was nervous prior to the hour-long pageant, but relieved and satisfied seeing it all come together.

“It’s been really thrilling for us and it’s a real honour to host,” Karrouze said about being the host pavilion for first time in the festival’s history.

Following the ceremony, bangers and mash with onion gravy, cornish pasties and meat pies filled the air. The 007 martini bar was open and the entertainment took over.

It’s a big undertaking, according to Karrouze, and it couldn’t be done without the dozens of volunteers who come together to pull it off.

“It’s extremely long hours,” Karrouze said. “The volunteers put in countless hours to make this happen. There are long days, long nights, and sore feet, but it’s so worth it to see the community come together and to give back to Brandon as well.”

The festival runs through to Saturday, with nine other pavilions joining the English, including the Chinese, Honduran, Brazilian, Scottish, Irish, First Nations, Ukrainian and Métis, while the Philippines and Mauritius will be in the Global Village.

Today is shaping up to be one of the best days temperature wise the festival has experienced in years with a high of -7 C and a low of -18 C. However, the mercury is expected to fall on Saturday with a low of -25 C.

For a full list of pavilions and locations, visit lgwf.ca

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