Melanie Ladouceur, another representative of the Carnival, said the talent contest was previously a beauty pageant open to girls between the ages of 13 to 17. Now, the contest is open to all ages and genders.

Thus, nine-year-old Louka Jolin was nominated the first “King of the Carnival” after performing his stand-up comedy act.

For his last joke, he told the kids in the audience to cover their ears for a dirtier punchline which drew a roar of laughter from the crowd.

The “Queen of the Carnival” crown went to 18-year-old Melody Freeland, who had the opening act performing “Jersey on the Wall”.

Both Jolin and Freeland, with their new headgear, posed for pictures in a closing ceremony.

Belair and Ladouceur said it is proving increasingly difficult to encourage folks to participate each year. It was, however, all smiles in the end.

“This year, I was very proud of what we accomplished,” said Ladouceur.

Hockey Tournament

Meanwhile, in the arena downstairs, Phantom was taking on Terry C in the first game of the hockey tournament.

The second game featured Kayzer against Tyson R, finishing 12-0 for Kayzer.

Nicolas Durocher is the assistant captain for the winning team. Despite the double-digit win, he was quick to emphasize the mindset of those involved.

“It’s not the victory that counts, it’s playing with all our friends and against our friends,” Durocher said.

The Carnival is a good event to raise some money for renovating and maintaining the arena, according to Durocher.

Games continued on through to Saturday, when Duval Logging – the only other team in the tournament – saw their first action on the ice.

Play-offs happened Saturday afternoon. Of the five teams, first spot had an automatic bye to the ‘Final A” and second place played third for the other spot. “Final B” was organized between fourth and fifth place.

Duval Logging took Final A and Phantom won Final B.

Sleigh Ride

Saturday noon saw plenty of kids involved in some action behind the arena.

A white and black horse team pulled a sleigh through the winding paths around the grounds, giving folks a tour of the surrounding scenery.

Close by, there was a mound of snow with staircases carved in its sides. A make-shift slide cascaded down from one side of the mound, accompanied by a couple of toboggans at the top.

Several other activities took place on Saturday, including open skating and a party that took place in the evening.

The carnival is expected to take place again next year.

Louka Jolin and Melody Freeland pose as the King and Queen of the talent contest at the closing ceremony.

Cédrick Morrissette pushes his older brother, Érick Morrissette, down the man-made slide.

Team Phantom took on team Terry C in the opening game of the carnival’s hockey tournament.

A friendly exchange between the team Kayzer and team Tyson R players.

Team Kayzer took on team Tyson R in the second match of the hockey tournament.

Melody Freeland sang “Jersey on the Wall” at the talent contest.

Louka Jolin brought a guest from the audience to entertain the crowd during his stand-up comedy act.

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