Dominique and Gislaine Martel of St. Isidore sing some songs accompanied by Roger Dallaire on the accordion.

Orange was the theme for francophone culture and family winter fun at the 26th annual Carnaval de St.-Isidore from Feb. 15 to 17. “About 2,000 participants came during the whole week of the Carnaval,” says Rachelle Bergeron, president of the organizing committee. Over 1,000 people attended during the weekend, roughly 800 students, teachers, parents and other community members participated during the weekdays, along with more than 100 volunteers throughout the week. “Everyone was thrilled with the entertainment and the new activities.” A big hit was the appearance of the STARS air ambulance, helicopter demonstration, along with Leaping Lemurs Circus workshops and Dan the Balloon Man. King and Queen Bryan Tremblay of Peace River was crowned Carnaval King and and Crystal Lambert of St-Isidore was crowned Carnaval Queen. One of the artistic opportunities was the snow sculpting competition. Winners of this year’s professional category were local sculptors, Laval Bergeron and Rénald Lavoie of St-Isidore, the “Prix du public” going to: Sophie Savoie of St-Isidore and Daniel Lavoie of Bonnyville. Winners of the adult amateur category: Doug and Christina Thompson of Three Creeks. Winning team for the youth category consisted of of Dave Cloutier of Falher and Léandre Bérubé of St-Isidore. The Carnaval can pride itself in its continued tradition of excellent francophnoe music and entertainment! This year’s Carnaval featured two great bands from Québec: Châkidor and Belzébuth, locals Orchestre Maison and Plein Soleil, special guest: Roger Dallaire and Cie., as well as local talent, special guests and original entertainment! With the great weather adding to the success, people of all ages enjoyed sleigh rides, snow sculpting, snow hockey, children’s games, log sawing, arts displays and local market, great traditional Francophone food, winter fun, great thematic decorations, and an unbeatable warm and friendly atmosphere.