Beginning on March 7 and taking place over a span of 11 days, Winterfest looks to be a busy time in St Anthony as preparations are under way for another activity-packed schedule and a new patron has been chosen to ceremoniously lead the way.
Caroline Rowsell, who originally hails from Green Island Cove in the Straits but has lived in St Anthony for over 60 years, will suit up as this year's newest patron but she has no lack of experience when it comes to community events.
Mrs. Rowsell has been the hostess for the Joy Fellowship program since it began last year. The group meets at the United Church every Tuesday afternoon and involves activities for disabled people who range in number from 25 to 35 participants per week.
"It's really enjoying to see how much they enjoy it," said Mrs. Rowsell.
She also keeps busy at the walking group and the 50 plus group in town.
Mrs. Rowsell said she was somewhat surprised when she heard about the nomination from a phone call received by a member of the Winterfest Committee but she graciously accepted the role.
It is sure to be a very busy 11 days for Mrs. Rowsell and the host committee, which offers a schedule that includes something for everyone.
"It's going to be a busy week," said Mrs. Rowsell.
The events kick off on March 7 with a walk to the Lions Club at 10am, followed by a ceremony put on by Community Readiness for People with Disabilities, which involves the pinning of the sash for this year's Readiness Representative, Wanda Greenham of St Anthony.
It's going to be a busy week. - Caroline Rowsell, Winterfest Patron 2012
A community bonfire will be hosted at the Pentecostal Church parking lot that night and the weekend activities will involve a poker run hosted by the Northern Drifters Snowmobile Club on Saturday night and a sports day at the Aurora Nordic Ski Club and snowmobile races on Sunday.
There will be plenty of good food to fill up on throughout the week with a roast beef supper and a breakfast at the united church; a pork chop supper, a chili supper, a fish fry, a cold plate supper and a breakfast at the Lion's Club; a Jigg's Dinner at Loyal Orange Lodge; and fish and brewis with potatoes and scrunchins, a wing night and a beer chug at the Legion.
"Come and Enjoy Yourselves at Winterfest 2012" is the slogan created this year by Mark Saunders and there are plenty of activities to live up to its motto.
Games of poker, bingo, and darts, along with scavenger hunts, a sliding party, a dance, a talent show and a St. Paddy's Day "Tour of the Tip" snowmobile ride will all take place throughout the festivities..
"It's good to be busy," said Mrs. Rowsell.
She certainly won't have to worry about finding something to do.
ian.murdoch@tc.tc
