It will be difficult not to see Bonhomme Carnaval around Timmins next month, especially on Family Day Weekend and the weekend before that.
LaRonde has its annual winter carnival. There are outdoor activities and some that can pivot to the virtual realm, should COVID-19 restrictions dictate.
Executive director Lisa Bertand says among traditional activities will be window decorating for schools and businesses, featuring Bonhomme.
“Brand new this year,” she adds, “we are inviting the community to be participating in our concours des vitrines, window decorating contest, the theme is Bonhomme Carnaval.”
The contest to guess who’s in the Bonhomme costume is back. It could be Rick Lemieux of Northern College, Cameron Grant of the Chamber of Commerce, or Jonathan St-Pierre of Full Beard Brewing.
Bertrand says that on February 19th, following a full day of outdoor activities, there will be a performance by a seven-piece traditional Francophone band from North Bay… at the Dante Club.
“And they’ll be serving a traditional dinner: turkey, tourtiere, there’ll be mashed potatoes, that kind of fun, feel good meal,” she explains. “And then we’re going to reveal who the Bonhomme is.”
Bertrand hopes that can be followed by a dance celebrating local Francophone culture.