A TASTE OF QUEBEC RETURNING TO WELLAND

CLUB RICHELIEU WINTER CARNIVAL IS BACK AFTER PANDEMIC HIATUS

After a two-year absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual Winter Carnival is returning to Club Richelieu.

The event is meant to bring a little taste of the annual Quebec Winter Carnival to Welland, with the celebration taking place on Sunday, Feb. 5, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the club, located at 565 River Rd.

All that is needed is some snow.

"We've held it when there's been snow and when there is no snow," said Club Richelieu president Jason Bernard.

"It's always great when there's snow. There's that wintry feel."

It's also needed for one the

event's signature treats — maple syrup toffee.

"We thought we'd have some snow by now," Bernard said, adding with a laugh, "One of

our members started gathering snow and storing it in his freezer."

Snow or no snow, there will be plenty of activities — hockey, cornhole and horse-drawn hayrides courtesy of Warner Ranch.

There will also be a bracelet-making activity with the help of the La Boîte à soleil cooperative French daycare.

There will also be plenty of food available. A breakfast consisting of sausage, pancakes and baked beans will be available for $5.

The beans, Bernard said, need to be experienced.

"They're started the day before," he said. "It's an old French recipe."

For lunch, chili and French fries will be available for $3 each or as a combo for $5.

Of course, a Quebec-inspired winter carnival would be incomplete without an appearance by Bonhomme, the red cap-wearing snowman who is emblematic of the Quebec event. Bernard said no need to worry.

"We found his costume in the attic, so he'll be there," Bernard said with a laugh.