Schreiber embraces winter at this year’s Winter Carnival

Schreiber residents are no stranger to extreme winter conditions. Many will say that there are only two seasons up here in the north, winter and mosquito season. By late October the north winds arrive and signal the beginning of a six month cold spell that can last until mid April. While some may seek warmer climates during the winter months, many simply accept the fact that it’s best to try and make the best of things. The annual Winter Carnival is a testament to that ideology. This year marked the 37th year that residents in Schreiber put their best winter boots forward and bundled up to take part in the four day event that has not only become a break from the cold outside but is eagerly anticipated. After months of being shut in longing for socializing, the town of Schreiber steps up and provides a much needed break from the cold and dark of winter. Usually the event is organized by the recreation department but since the departure of the Rec Director, it was unclear when or if the carnival would even happen. Thankfully the very community oriented Schreiber Senior centre committee stepped in to fill the gap. A few items were dropped from the previous years activities but no one seemed to notice. Thanks to dedicated and imaginative volunteers, the 37th annual event was an extreme success. Over the four day period residents would be treated to the opening night talents of the local figure skating club during the official kickoff. It was hard to believe that the average age of the floor curling teams was over 75 with at least 3 participants having passed their 90th birthdays this year. Contrasting that was the annual kids cake walk sponsored by the Schreiber Public Library where most participants were under 10 years of age. The library also hosted the Poker Walk where residents and their furry family members faced the cold and snowy day with a smile and a quick step. Players were tasked with visiting various businesses in town and collecting their cards to build their poker hand. The seniors also managed to host one of its very famous barbecues as a reminder that sunny warmer days are just around the corner. The Schreiber Media Centre hosted the Last Chance event in combination with the highly anticipated Pictionary Night. One of Schreiber’s favourite bar bands drew a huge crowd to the pub night event. Finally kids were given a chance to take to the hills with a Slide party, where they were served hot chocolate. Inside, older residents took part in another combined event featuring a delicious lunch and Penny Auction. Schreiber once again proved that it doesn’t matter how cold the weather is outside when so much love and warmth is generated by the proud citizens of this little town.