The weekend of Feb. 26-28 was once again a great time to be in Northwest Manitoba, despite the frigid temperatures. The Lynn Lake Chamber of Commerce had again hosted the Lynn Lake Winter Carnival as it has for at least the past 12 years. This annual event brings together a number of local community organizations such as the Lynn Lake Friendship Centre Inc., West Lynn Heights School, and Marcel Colomb First Nation and many more. Prior to the involvement of the chamber, the winter carnival was organized by the local Kinsmen Club.
The winter carnival is a much-anticipated event for the Town of Lynn Lake as well as people from many locations throughout Northern Manitoba. This year the carnival drew visitors from as far away as Grand Rapids. In addition to the annual hockey tournament, dog sled races, Carnival Queen competition, and scavenger hunt, the volleyball and pool tournaments were also popular events for competitors and spectators alike in their second year of operation. New to the carnival this year were a number of outdoor events organized by West Lynn Heights School and Manitoba Conservation.
The size and scope of the carnival continues to be a testament to the ability of the community to come together in the spirit of cooperation and pride. With five teams participating in the hockey tournament, the recently re-opened (see Dec. 10, 2014 Nickel Belt News) Jim McLellan Arena was the busiest venue of the event.
Teams from Grand Rapids, South Indian Lake, Brochet, and Thompson managed to unseat last years’ tournament champions, the Lynn Lake Renegades. The hockey tournament first-place winners were the Thompson Hawks, followed by the second-place OPCN Team (South Indian Lake), and third-place Grand Rapids.
The success of the hockey tournament and other year-round arena activities would not be possible without the continued ongoing support and assistance of the Lynn Lake Friendship Centre, their staff and community programming. The friendship centre continues to fill wide-ranging needs within the community through their various activities. Lynn Lake Friendship Centre executive director Marilyn Hunt commented, “It was the most action-packed, fun-filled, winter carnival that Lynn Lake has experienced in a long time!. There seemed to be something for everyone! “As always, I want to send a special shout out and thank you to all the [LLFC] staff and volunteers who helped make [our events] such a huge success!”
Thanks also to the Lynn Lake Arena Board and the numerous community volunteers and users who have also made the continued operation of this cornerstone facility possible.
The full list of events and their organizers includes:
NCI Scavenger Hunt - Lynn Lake Friendship Centre Inc.
Men’s Hockey Tournament - Lynn Lake Renegades and Lynn Lake Friendship Centre Inc.
Co-ed Volleyball Tournament - Jake Bighetty
Dog Sled Race - Chamber of Commerce
Winter Carnival Social - Chamber of Commerce
Kids’ Movie Night - Lynn Lake Friendship Centre Inc.
Mushers’ Feast - Chamber of Commerce
Pool Tournament - Lynn Inn
Outdoor Winter Games - West Lynn Heights Community Schools and Manitoba Conversation
Winter Carnival Queen Competition - Route 391 Bar & Grill
The carnival kicked off on Thursday with a Just for Fun Trivia Contest. NCI-FM Listeners had scheduled interruptions in the local broadcast to listen to clues related to Lynn Lake locations and trivia questions. Responses were reported back, in person, to the local Northwest Community Futures Development Corporation Office within 15 minutes of the question or task being announced.
While hockey may have been the largest draw for crowds, the four teams competing in mixed volleyball had an equally busy weekend, as did the dog sled racers. Other outdoor events included log sawing, nail driving, snowshoeing and fire building.
As always, the Carnival Social on Saturday night was well attended with jigging, moose-calling, baby-crying and laughing contests, culminating with the crowning of the Carnival Queen, Miss Kaylee Halkett. Full results will be available on-line – facebook.com/Town.of.Lynn.Lake
While there was plenty of activity at numerous venues, several community members are looking towards further expanding the schedule of events for next year to possibly include snowmobile drag racing, an ice-fishing derby and cross-country skiing with the possibility of an air-rifle biathlon.
The Chamber of Commerce would be remiss without providing a huge thank you to the event sponsors, as well, according to chamber member Eugene Shin. “We very much appreciate the support of Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries (Exclusive Volunteer Sponsor), Manitoba Hydro, Northern Store, Northwest CFDC, Penner Oil, Timberwolf Trucking, Calm Air, Northland Funeral Services, Clarke’s Pharmacy, West Lynn Heights School, Lynn Lake Friendship Centre, Manitoba Conversation, Marcel Colomb First Nation, Pete and Cheryl Campbell, Route 391 Bar & Grill, Corner Pocket Pool Hall, Lynn Inn, Town of Lynn Lake, Lynn Lake Arena Board, and the Literacy Club of Lynn Lake. Without their support, we would not have seen the success we did again this year. There are also far too many of our most senior residents who have always worked to make this event and others such a resounding success.” A number of the organizers of this event have been volunteering for events like this since before some of the chamber members were in diapers.
The Town of Lynn Lake has been more than happy to welcome so many of our neighbours from across Northern Manitoba and is looking forward to welcoming even more visitors next year. The next major event the chamber has planned is the annual Burge Lake Pike Derby, which will once again be this summer on the Canada Day weekend. While The Town of Lynn Lake cannot promise clear skies and sunshine, we are fairly certain that our “warmest little cold part” of Manitoba will be much warmer in July. We look forward to seeing you here in the #SportfishingCapitalOfManitoba.
