Donald Teuma-Castelletti
CALUMET ISLAND
Feb. 24, 2018
An afternoon on Calumet Island was chock full of three things last Saturday – sugar, fun and games – making the recreation association’s Snow Day a huge success in their books.
Despite not enjoying the company of quite as many people as they would have liked, everyone in attendance made up for it as kids and adults worked on crafts, took part in treasure hunts, dressed up in costumes for the photo booth and played a game of shuffleboard on the outdoor rink.
“We have a lot of events for the day,” said Louise Grenier, president of the recreation association. “We started at one and we’ll go till five in the afternoon.”
Grenier said the whole afternoon was intended to provide families an opportunity to get out and socialize in the winter, while being a little goofy, too.
In the recreation association hall, kids could take advantage of a pool table, arts and crafts or throw on a costume and jump into the photo booth. All sorts of costumes and props, from mustaches to princess gowns and much more, were available to use, while some guests were lucky enough to be photobombed by Bonhomme.
Outside, a treasure hunt took place, with teams of kids tasked with finding all of their coloured ice cubes out in the snow. On the outdoor rink, adults got into teams for games of shuffleboard on ice. Pairs would test their balance and strength as they slid a horseshoe across the ice, using a broom handle to give it a shove.
When everyone needed a bit of refuelling, lots of snack options were being sold at the canteen in the hall. Beavertails, chili, candy and much more were offered for everyone, while adults could buy a wobbly pop if they felt so inclined.
Maple taffy on a bed of snow was offered for free outside, providing a quick sugar fix for those lacking. The Corriveau Sugar Shack offered the homemade treat as a donation to the community and recreation association.
Grenier said that this event would be their last for the winter season, and that the association was appreciative for everyone who came out. She added that they continue to have great volunteers every event, making their community all the better.
Up next for the association is their annual general meeting in May, where everyone in the community is welcome to join them to discuss their upcoming plans as well as join their efforts in various roles.
“We do a lot of things for our population and we’re happy when they join us to enjoy it,” said Grenier.
