Bristol is active – annual Winter Carnival and Morning Walking Program

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Henri Beaudoin smoothly rounds a pylon without spilling a drop in the Carnival’s waiter race.

Deborah Powell



Henri Beaudoin smoothly rounds a pylon without spilling a drop in the Carnival’s waiter race.

Deborah Powell

BRISTOL – Sunday, February 16 was cold, but it didn’t discourage the participants and spectators at the Bristol Winter Carnival. The day began at the rink in Norway Bay where participants tested their skill and speed in the relay,   waiter race, toboggan race and more. Hot chocolate and donuts were offered in the warm-up shack that had been repaired and painted by Bristol Community Association (BCA) members following some serious vandalism. BCA Particip-ation Award ribbons were given to all participants.
While the outdoor fun was still on at the rink, euchre was the game of the day at the Jack Graham Community Centre, where a buffet dinner was enjoyed by 135 adults and numerous children later in the evening.
A new winter activity
The community hall is open from 9 to 10 every weekday morning for     people who want to walk in an ice and snow-free      environment. “It’s a           no-pressure activity,” said Sue Page, who had originally brought the idea to the BCA and the municipality’s attention in response to a request from a Bristol       resident.
“People can walk for as long as they want and sit down when they want!” she continued, also mentioning that some elderly walkers had seen a great improvement in their stamina in just a few weeks. Participants are able to borrow pedometers in order to measure their progress. The cost of the pedometers will be shared by the BCA and the MRC Pontiac’s sports and recreation equipment fund.
“We’re trying to diversify our approach to recreation in order to reach all sectors of the population, so we are happy to contribute to a community initiated activity,” said Anne-Marie Vaz, Sports and Recreation Coordinator for the MRC Pontiac.