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 2007 Winter Festival was held February 1st , 2nd and 3rd 2007. We had successful year , with our pavilion recording the highest number of people entering the pavilions. The cold weather didn't hamper the warm spirits of the festival or the festival goers.
The Alpine Express, our local oom-pah band headed by Jeff Harland, filled the atmosphere with the sounds of Germany. The Regina Edelweiss Dance Group entertained the crowds with their authentic German dancing. Delicious traditional German food dishes were prepared by our chefs, Larry de Vries, Matt Otten and Joanne Canada-Somers.
Our Christkindlmarkt theme found Christmas trees decorated as we do in Germany along with the traditional Pretzels, Gingerbread Hearts, Candied Apples, Hot Cider, German Chocolates, German Cookies were available. We also had Oktoberfest Hats, shooter glasses as well as a number of German Souvenirs. There was an abundance of German culture items to explore . Of course we also had German Beer , Wine and Schnapps to help experience the "culture".
Our Woodcarver ,Brock and Karen Blosser from Kenora ,carved faces out of tree roots which is called "Wurzelkoph"(roothead) or "Berggeist"(mountain spirit). These faces were first carved to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck.
We were fortunate to have Frank Unger join us this year to let us experience his talent. Frank is an experienced alphorn player. The alphorn is a wind instrument which is carved or bored in wood and over wound with birch bark. Some instruments are straight, reaching 12 feet (4 meters) in length.
Please allow time for a large download- Then click the blue > button to play. This year we debut our first Yodeling Contest featuring local celebrities . Our contestants were Mayor Dave Burgess, Tom Keep Event Coordinator, Ian Grant -Police Services, Keith Atkinson-Police Chief, Tim Black-101.1 The Farm, Tom Wenham-Wheat City Journal and Frank McGwire 101 The Farm. Our judges had their work cut out for them ! Our judges for the event were Steve Antaya from CKLQ, Rick Palmer from the Brandon Sun, Brian Deutsher from Westoba Credit Union. A good time was had by all. The yodeler crowned as King Yodeler was........Frank McGwire from 101.1 FM " The Farm".
A big thanks to Sharon Horn for organizing this fun event. The success of the event is largely due to the dedication of the members German Society ,the tireless time and efforts of many volunteers as well as the City of Brandon for supporting the quest of educating its citizens on the cultures, which helps to make our city , home.
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