Countdown already on for 2016 Mardi Gras Winter Carnival

VERNON – Vernon will have ten days of Mardi Gras celebrations as part of the 2016 Winter Carnival.

Hot on the heels of the 2015 Carnival of Rock and Roll, organizers are already gearing up for next year. Executive director Diana Williamson says the board received over 100 suggestions for the theme but narrowed it down to A Mardi Gras Carnival.

“The bright, colorful theme will lend itself to a festive atmosphere for the 10 days of the 56th Vernon Winter Carnival.  We look forward to begin planning with the new theme and are always impressed with the imagination and ideas the community comes up with to participate in this long standing tradition," Williamson said.

The 2016 event will run Feb. 5-14. Carnival president Doug Edgar says this year’s carnival was a huge success with lots of community participation.

“To see such attendance at all these events is very satisfying,” Edgar said. “We are anticipating as much excitement for next year’s A Mardi Gras Carnival.”

The society's annual general meeting will be held in May and the Winter Carnival is currently seeking individuals interested in joining the board of directors. 

For those interested in hosting a Carnival event, sponsoring,  volunteering or wanting more information on the 2016 Carnival, contact the Carnival office at 250-545-2236 or info@vernonwintercarnival.com.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Charlotte Helston at chelston@infonews.ca or call 250-309-5230. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.