Quebec Winter Carnival

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The Quebec Winter Carnival (or Carnaval de Québec) is an annual winter carnival that takes place in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. The festival typically starts on the first Friday of January (or Jan. 6th) and continues for 17 days, coinciding with Mardi Gras celebrations in other regions of the world. With close to one million participants, it has grown to become the largest winter celebration in the world.^[1]

[edit] Activities and attractions

• Bonhomme (literally "good man" in English; short for bonhomme de neige "snowman") is the official ambassador of the festivities, a large snowman sporting a red cap, black buttons and a ceinture fléchée.
• The opening and closing ceremonies take place at the Ice Palace before thousands of participants and the mayor of Quebec. They have been held each year since 1955.
• In 2008, the 20th presentation of the Symposium attracted more than 5 000 visitors.
• The Business Leaders' Luncheon, organized by the Québec City Chamber of Commerce.
• The Calgary Stampede Flap Jack Breakfast In 2008, the carnival-goers were served by Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
• Giant table soccer game.
• The public auction is a fund raising event in aid of the Carnival. This auction features many goods and services donated by area companies and professional firls. Silent auction and live auction.
• Outdoor dance parties.
• The 'Restaurant Partners' Campaign is a 17-day promotion during which Québec City restaurants offer customers a special menu for a fixed price throughout the Carnival (including appetizer, soup, or salad, a main course, and a dessert).
• A sleigh race where drivers and their horses will take part in a single- and double-harness race.
• The Dog Agility Competition on Snow brings together around 60 people and their dogs to compete in an outdoor obstacle course.
• Place is located on the Plains of Abraham. The Plains are transformed into an outdoor winter amusement park which includes:
  • snow slides
  • downhill skiing
  • ice tower
  • snow rafting
  • bistro
  • snow sculptures contest.
  • dog sledding
  • Ice fishing for children

[edit] References