For the second year of Winterfest’s return, Kitimatians will again get a taste of the francophone culture, with a traditional brunch and live music.
AFFNO’s (L’Association des Francophones et Francophiles du Nord-Ouest) Executive Director Patrick Witwicki, based in Prince Rupert, has been working with volunteers and organizers in Kitimat to make this year’s event an even greater step above last year’s.
The Winterfest will begin with a ‘kickoff social’ at Rosario’s Restaurant on January 22 at 7 p.m. This free event will essentially be an introduction to Winterfest activities, a chance for people to learn about what it is, and a chance to enjoy some acoustic music.
A Winterfest Brunch is set to take place at noon at the Riverlodge on January 24, which will include traditional Quebec foods.
“Anyone who hasn’t gone [to the brunch] is truly missing out. The food is ridiculous,” Witwicki said, meaning of course in a good way. They use real maple syrup in their recipes and the food is made from scratch, and that includes meat pies and sugar pies, and beans in maple syrup, he said.
Witwicki adds it will be a nice family event with activity stations for kids, and they’ll offer the toffee on the snow as well, which is a kid favourite.
There will be a dance at the Legion on January 23 as well as part of Winterfest activities.
A cover charge for that event will be required, and will feature the Hazelton band Axes of Ego.
Witwicki said he is extremely thankful for the Kitimat-based people who have helped develop activities this year for Winterfest.
“We are confident that’s going to just be one reason of many why this year is going to be better attended and better in general than last year.”
Last year’s events was the first Winterfest following a multi-year hiatus in Kitimat.