Greely winter carnival makes sense of the season

Posted Jan 26, 2012 By Emma Jackson

The Greely winter carnival has arrived, and the sculpting, skating, singing and sleighing continues into the weekend.

The annual carnival run by the Greely Community Association began Tuesday night with a chili and spaghetti dinner and family skate at the Greely Community Centre.

Residents had Wednesday night off to brush up on their bluffs in time for Thursday night's Texas Hold'em poker night.

Registration begins at 6 p.m., with games beginning at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. Players must be 18 years or older to play, and it costs $20 to buy in.

On Friday, Jan. 27 kids and teens can enjoy the Greely Pathfinders' pizza party and dance at the community centre. The pizza party will run from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and the dance will begin at 6:30 p.m. Parents are responsible for kids aged five to 12. Pizza is $4 a slice and the dance is $5, but party-goers can get both for $8.

Saturday, Jan. 28 will be jam-packed with events for the entire family, beginning with the Greely Firefighters pancake breakfast from 8:30 to 11 a.m.

A magician will provide free family fun with magic and balloons from 11 a.m. to noon, and free sleigh rides begin outside the community centre at 1 p.m.

The carnival's biggest draw, the annual Greely Idol, will begin auditions at 1 p.m. in the community centre for junior and senior participants.

Each participant will have about two minutes to strut their stuff, and finalists will return Sunday afternoon for a final showdown at 2 p.m.

Prizes include a recording session with local studio Blue Bear Sound.

Host and organizer Pamela Dans said competitors should try to bring "the whole package."

"They should put in definite dance moves or anything to enhance their song so they have the whole package, not just a voice.

Wear a costume or an outfit and something that suits the song," Dans said. "Get into the song and make it yours." She recommended practicing in front of the mirror and family or friends.

All members of the community are welcome to watch the auditions and finals at the community centre, she said.

After the Idol auditions, the Greely Community Association will host a dinner buffet and Absolute Comedy show between 6 and 10 p.m. For $35, residents can enjoy cocktails at 6 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m. and a three-act comedy show from 8 to 10 p.m. Tickets for just the show are $15.

A DJ will take over after the show if members of the audience want to enjoy a chance to dance the night away without going to the city.

After the excitement of Saturday, Sunday's events start later with the Greely Lions family brunch running from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Radical Science will present a "fun science demonstration" from noon to 1 p.m. for the kids, and Greely Idol finals will begin at 2 p.m.

Throughout the weekend, the community rink will be open for skating.

The association has also introduced a new snow sculpting event on Saturday and Sunday.

Community groups, schools and families can sign up for a spot to build their sculptures, although it's not a contest. Groups can truck in their own snow, water, tools and non-toxic dyes to create their art.

"Anything goes. They can be as creative as they want to be," said organizer Tina Eggens.

emma.jackson@metroland.com