BayToday Picture Play Gallery: Bonhomme Carnaval

Once again this year an enthusiastic crowd packed into Memorial Gardens Sunday for the opening ceremonies of the 46th annual Le Carnaval des Compagnons.

Honorary President for this year’s Le Carnaval is MP Anthony Rota and he says he is simply delighted to be part of such an important event that showcases one of the reasons it is great to be Canadian.

“As Honorary Chair of Le Carnaval we get to highlight all the French Canadian culture and everything that goes with it.”

“In the week we really get to showcase everything and to me that’s what makes Canada the country that it is. We have different cultures coming together and we are taking the best of everything and so this week is French Canadian culture is on showcase.”

Rota says part of the fun of Carnaval is sampling all the great cuisine that is part of the culture as well as enjoying the camaraderie that one encounters during the week long festivities.

“The food has been wonderful so far I think I’ve gained about 10 pounds just from the few dinners I have been at ... so this is going to be a great week.”

Of course the Carnaval wouldn’t be complete without the crowning of King and Queen or the arrival of Bonhomme Carnaval. This year Brogan Byrnes a grade 7 student was acclaimed as King while Samantha Goguen a grade 12 student was announced Queen.

Officials say that the event is open to everyone in the community and is a great family themed activity that creates lifelong memories for all.

Other activities during the week include concerts of all sorts, including French renowned group SWING on Thursday February 12th, games night, pancake breakfasts and traditional suppers.

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

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