The Bristol Winter Carnival ran all Sunday afternoon, seeing young skaters hit the Norway Bay Rink and many more quick hands play a variety of card games at the Jack Graham Community Centre. Pictured: Hannah Twolan balances the tray with a cup of pop on it as she skates the length of the rink.
Donald Teuma-Castelletti
BRISTOL Feb. 11, 2018
While card sharks dealt their hands and the alluring scent of cooked ham floated through the Jack Graham Community Centre, kids skated to their hearts’ delight in fun and competition down in Norway Bay, making all of Bristol a postcard picture of a winter wonderland.
Which is perfect, as that’s what the Bristol Community Association (BCA) was aiming for when they planned their annual Bristol Winter Carnival on Sunday afternoon.
“People look forward to this,” said Anita Foster-Renaud, vice-president of the BCA.
While the kids skate down in Norway Bay, with eight children coming out to enjoy the rink and try their hand at balancing a cup of pop on a tray while skating the rink’s length, the community centre sees over half it’s tables full of card games. Three different games take place, euchre, canasta and bridge, while the big meal for the evening cooks away in the kitchen.
Altogether the sight – and smell of the food cooking – becomes reminiscent of a large family gathering, as if everyone were enjoying a winter holiday together.
While the fun and games take place in the afternoon, the big turnout comes in the evening, when the BCA expected 100 people to fill the community centre for dinner.
“The food is done by members of the Bristol Community Association,” said Elaine Findlay, president of the BCA. “Desserts and a few salads are brought from the community.”
Being served that Sunday was ham, scalloped potatoes, baked beans and meatballs, plus the desserts and coffee after.
Organizers begin preparing for the carnival in November, as they know it takes time to get the word out to some of the less technologically-inclined residents.
“The community is far spread, not everyone has email so you have to put the word out,” said Findlay. “Of course, if people need a ride, we can always go pick them up.”
Next year, the BCA hopes to work in a silent auction and have live entertainment. Unfortunately, everyone they contacted this year to perform were unable to attend due to illness.
In the future, they hope to include activities of interest to the younger crowds, like teenagers and young adults, adding that they’re open to suggestions of events from the public.
