Trail trek during the Crysler carnival
A perfect snowshoe trail has been developed and maintained by the Crysler Citizens’ Committee. From left, in front are Paul Savourin and Sylvie Renaud, and at the back are Elaine Lavictoire, Carolyn Herfkens, Andre Lavictoire, Diane Lalonde and Christina Yelle. The group volunteered with the Crysler Citizens’ Committee to lead snowshoe outings during the Crysler Winter Carnival on the trail they maintain near the lagoons north of Crysler. The volunteers led small groups of people on snowshoes and provided a bonfire, hot chocolate and water on the walkers’ return. Besides snowshoeing in the winter, the trail is popular for cross-country skiing, walking, dog-walking, and birding – and the lagoons are excellent spots to sight waterfowl.   Vetter photo

Muriel Carruthers
Record Staff
CRYSLER – To say the 52nd Crysler Winter Carnival was a resounding success is an understatement. The carnival began Wed., Feb. 14, at the Crysler Community Centre with the Bingo kickoff, then continued Thursday with the Ladies’ Night, and on Friday evening with a Meet and Greet supper, a crib tournament, and the Rock and Skate at the Outdoor Skating Rink (ODR). On Saturday and Sunday, the North (Blue) versus South (Red) competition tradition continued, as did other activities at the ODR and the Community Centre, including an open house for the Crysler Library. Ambush was the headliner at the Centre for the Saturday night entertainment.

Red, blue, who?
Supporters of the North and South sides of Crysler, who also happen to be volunteers with the Crysler Citizens’ Committee at the Crysler Winter Carnival, were thrilled with this year’s turnout. Shown here on Sat., Feb. 17, in front of the North versus South scoreboard at the community centre are Sara Maclam, Rita Leroux, Danielle Linnett, Sheryl Johnston, and Martine Quesnel. Vetter photo

The 24-hour Tony’s Rockathon, organized by Tony Brière’s sons in his memory, from Saturday to Sunday, saw all participants rocking in their chairs for 24 hours, and taking 10-minute breaks each hour. Funds raised from the Rockathon will go to the ODR. There were eight participants, who all lasted the full 24 hours, according to Carnival Coordinator Danielle Linnett.

The North and South hockey games on Sunday afternoon saw the youth game ending in an 8-8 tie. The teams split the points between the North and South side. For the adult hockey game, the North side (Blue) won the game with a score of 5-3.

The final team tallies were: Red (South side) 1,526 points and Blue (North side) 1,627 points. The North (Blue) side won the competition, marking their third straight year with town bragging rights, which was announced by Linnett on Sunday.

Firefighters and the Knights of Columbus served up a delicious breakfast of eggs, bacon, sausages and home fries. From left, Alain Aubin, Julien Dodier and Edmond Charbot were ready to serve at the Carnival breakfast. Carruthers photo

The 50/50 draw tickets on sale during the carnival at $5 each were completely sold out by Sunday morning’s breakfast. The breakfast ran from 8:30 to 12:30 p.m. and was prepared by the Crysler Optimist Club and served by the Crysler Firefighters and the Knights of Columbus. The 50/50 winner was Micheline Bazinet, who took home $1,250.

The main event, however, was possibly the fundraiser for the Cuts for Cancer and the Cancer Society. Kevin Lapp, Crysler local and proprietor of Lapp Construction, offered up his long locks to bolster the weekend’s fundraising efforts. The Carnival poster promised, “Firefighters must raise $1,000 for his ponytail or $4,000 and it all goes!”