BayToday Picture Play Gallery: Off to a great start

An enthusiastic crowd greeted Le Carnaval des Compagnons for the opening ceremonies Sunday at Memorial Gardens.

This year marks the 45th annual Le Carnaval, and event chair Richard Marleau says he couldn’t be happier with how the week is shaping up.

“Oh it’s off to a great start,” he tells Baytoday.

“This is a great family themed activity on and off the ice … it is just great to get together and have some fun.”

Marleau, who has grown up in North Bay participating in Le Carnaval, says he is grateful to now be part of the committee working with the fantastic group of volunteers that celebrate the francophone community.

“It’s fun … hard work … but it means a lot … we are creating the same memories as when I was a young boy.”

Other activities during the week include concerts of all sorts, including The Dion Show on Thursday February 14th, games night, pancake breakfasts and traditional suppers.

Carnaval buttons as well as raffle tickets can be purchased for 2$ at the Centre culturel Les Compagnons des francs loisirs and at the Caisse Populaire of North Bay.

Le Carnaval has become, with its cultural and social repercussions, an important event for the entire community.