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Jeri James: Love the entertainment, but food at the Winter Festival is best part of weekend

The seventh Lieutenant Governor’s Winter Festival kicks off Thursday, feb. 4, in Brandon. How did we get to seven so quickly? It feels so fresh in my mind when the idea of a winter festival in Westman was just beginning to take shape. With what began with only a few pavilions and a lot of hard working and passionate volunteers, the Winter Festival is now a traditional event in Brandon. Thanks to the diverse and rich ethnic diversities we share in this city we are privileged to enjoy more and more fabulous pavilions every year. Adding to the experience this year are the Colombian, Ethiopian, and Mexican Pavilions.

The official opening ceremonies will take place on Thursday evening at City Hall. The Hon. Philip S Lee, Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba, will be in attendance to kick off another fantastic festival. The hosting pavilion for the opening ceremonies will be the Chinese, providing entertainment at City Hall before they set up at their location at the Town Centre.

What really sets this apart from other cultural festivals is the admission and transportation costs. They are both absolutely free. The City of Brandon Transit has set up a free bus that travels the route to and from each pavilion. Every half hour the bus will arrive and take you to your next destination. Once you’ve arrived at the “country” of your choice you simply get off the bus and walk in free of charge. Every pavilion is open from 6 to 11 p.m. on Thursday and Friday evenings and from 1-6 p.m. on Saturday. There are a few that may have extended hours but for the most part those are your desired travelling times.

Although admission is free as is transportation, I would still suggest you take a few dollars with you to purchase some of the incredible ethnic food, drinks, and souvenirs that each pavilion has to offer. I love all of the entertainment provided, especially the singing, dancing, and music but I have to admit the real reason I love the Winter Festival is the food. I indulge with something from every group. I tell myself it is OK because I am simply supporting the different pavilions, but in actuality I truly just love to eat. This is a food lover’s dream; the homemade goodies are always amazing and usually very reasonably priced — my favourite combination. So bring your wallet and your appetite and enjoy.

I guess because I am so concerned with the food I often forget about the drinks. Many of the pavilions are a licensed establishment, which means you can purchase some ethnic alcohol if you are of age and you so desire. The best part, of course is you don’t have to worry about drinking and driving as you have free transportation courtesy of the City of Brandon Transit so please take advantage of it.

A new added event this year (or perhaps this is just the first I have heard of it) is the quiz that will be taking place at each pavilion this year. Sponsored by Smitty’s Family Restaurant and Warner Buck Chartered Accountants, you can win great prizes by answering questions that are displayed at each pavilion during your journey. Pick up your quiz forms early so you can get started right away.

This is going to be an absolutely wonderful weekend. Here’s hoping the weather is kind and the lines move quickly. You are likely to see me eating something tasty at each pavilion so if you do, make sure to say hello. Remember to also bring along your non-perishable food item and drop them off in the food bins located at each pavilion. All proceeds from the food drive will go to Samaritan House food bank.

Pavilion Locations:

Chinese — Town Centre, 800 Rosser Avenue

Colombia – Wheat City Golf Course, 3500 McDonald Avenue

Salvadorian — Bethel Christian Assembly, 440 Richmond Avenue

English — ANAF Hall, 31 Fourteenth Street

Ethiopian — Central United Church, 327 Eighth Street

First Nations — 205 College Avenue

French Canadian — Keystone Centre, Exhibition Hall

Irish — Royal Oak Inn, 3130 Victoria Avenue

Métis — Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium, 205 Twentieth Street

Mexico – Crystal Hotel, 838 Pacific Avenue

Scottish — Victoria Inn Imperial Ball Room, 3550 Victoria Avenue

Ukrainian — Ukrainian Reading Association Hall, 1005 Assiniboine Avenue

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