Submitted by Christalee Froese

Montmartre’s first annual Fire and Ice Festival was a great success and will surely become an annual tradition.

“Everywhere I looked there were people of all ages enjoying themselves,” said Sandra Brown, one of the organizers. “Inside the rink, at the wonderful bonfire area and on the roped-off street, there was a beehive of activity all day long. We want to thank everyone for their incredible support - mark Feb. 7, 2009 on your calendars for the 2nd annual Fire and Ice Festival.”

The day started off with a snowshoe demonstration, attracting brave first-time snowshoers of all ages. Alpine walking was also provided as a trial sport, and attracted those interested in this new form of fitness that involves walking with the aid of poles.

The Montmartre Lions Club put on a fantastic wiener roast, creating a campfire at Fire & Ice Central that helped warm cold fingers and toes all day long.

Next up was face painting which resulted in numerous butterflies, tigers and lions showing up at Fire & Ice Central.

Human curling brought out over 50 kids who had a great time hurling themselves down the street on crazy carpets and trying to stop on the button. Younger children had a ball, as their parents and grandparents slid them down the outdoor sheet on saucers.

The Fire & Ice Friendship Wall was a big hit, with kids and adults coming together to create a beautiful structure that still remains downtown and is beautifully lit at night.

Sleigh rides, provided thanks to new Montmartre residents Jim and Cheri MacFarlane, were one of the highlights of the day. The award-winning Clydesdale team toured the town all afternoon long, with the wagon being full to capacity for three hours straight.

The airplane contest from the rink catwalk was popular, with many creative planes being entered in the event.

The following 16 residents entered the ‘chili con carne’ contest: Ginette Brenner, Krista Brown, Sandra Brown, Scott Dusyk, Wanda Eberle, Lewis Froese, Logan Froese, Laurencia Hewalo, Kathy Kohl, the Labreches, Colinda Pinay, Corinne Ripplinger, Bertha Romanow, Renate Selinger, Keenan Tholl, and Michaelene Warnyca.

Our very capable judges for the event were: Cora Thomson (SK Order of Merit), Darlene Romanow (Darlene’s Catering), Cal Abrahamson (Mayor), Const. Ken Johnson (RCMP), and Bill Ripplinger (Deputy Reeve).

Ribbons were awarded to: 1st - Bertha Romanow, 2nd - Ginette Brenner, 3rd - Renate Selinger.

By 6 o’clock, most of the chili and buns had been gobbled up and people headed over to the hockey rink to greet the newest residents to Montmartre.

Maxine Labreche welcomed about 30 new Montmartre residents as they walked out onto the red carpet. These new families had previously been visited and given baskets of items provided by local businesses, churches and organizations, but this was a chance for others to meet them. They were each given tickets for a free bowl of chili.

Then it was time for the Fire & Ice glow parade, which had to move ‘inside of the fire bus’ due to the chilly temperatures.

Thanks to the Montmartre Fire Department, the bus was loaded up, with driver Tracy Gibson, entertainer Aurel Labreche and tour guide Sandi Kerbs. The bus toured the town, stopping at the Fire & Ice Friendship Wall and at Alain Beaudin’s Igloo, where Alain provided candy for all of the kids.

A fireworks display at the park was generously funded by the Montmartre Coop and the Fire & Ice Committee.

About 75 kids and adults then took to the ice for an entertaining skating party.

Thank you to the Montmartre Rink Board for hosting the Fire & Ice Festival and family hockey tournament, providing canteen services and for offering the skating party free of charge. Thank you also to the Curling Rink Board for hosting the Fire & Ice chili cook-off. Finally, a thank you to Aurel Labreche and Darren Cronan for preparing the Fire & Ice Central area.

The Fire & Ice Committee wishes to thank everyone for attending and for pitching in to make the festival a great success!