For the past 26 years, Le Cercle des Canadiens Francais, the Prince George French Canadian Association holds the week-long Francofun Winter Festival to celebrate French culture, music and traditions.
From Jan. 29 to Feb. 5, families can take in a litany of outdoor and indoor fun.
Saturday, Jan. 29
Sugar Shack Brunch takes place at 1088 Gillett Street.
9 a.m. to noon: Registration for amateur Snow Sculptures Competition (free entry)
10 a.m.: Registration for competition and race
9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.: Kid's Craft Corner (free)
10:45 a.m. and/or 12:15 p.m.: Brunch with Trad'badour. The duo combines storytelling, singing traditional melodies, foot tapping and anecdotes. The public is invited to participate by repeating the refrains of funny songs by Roger Dallaire and stomping their feet in rhythm with fiddler Daniel Gervais.
11:45 a.m.: Parade (free)
11:55 a.m.: Brand new contest for longest, most coloured or most original moustaches
11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.: Horse sleigh ride, fun contest and race (free)
12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.: Maple toffee on snow
12 p.m. First silent auction, at 2:30 p.m. silent auction and draw
Monday, Jan. 31
10:30 a.m. Preschool storytime, French Canadian Association 1752 rue Fir, free event
Mme Chantal, with her friend Sophie, welcome families with preschool children. Families will be treated to a story, dances and songs. Let's not forget maple syrup for the sweet tooth.
There are school workshops with the Trad'badour duo who will teach the children about the Klondike through music and comedy. The workshops will be held at Lac des Bois and College Heights elementary in Prince George, as well as Ecole Baker in Quesnel and W.L. McLeod in Vanderhoof. These workshops are the result of a partnership with Canadian Parents for French.
There is a movie night Wednesday, Feb. 2 at 6:30 p.m. at the College of New Caledonia featuring Pich's Story: Entre ciel et terre with English subtitles. This is a free event.
Exploration Place will host a seniors' luncheon Wednesday, Feb. 2 at 11:30 a.m. for members of Le Cercle des Canadiens Franais and their friends who will enjoy entertainment during this free event.
Hockey night and family skating will take place Thursday, Feb. 3 at 6:30 p.m. Bring sticks and skates to enjoy a hockey game and a family skate where Timbits and hot chocolate will be served at Southridge Community Rink.
There is a show and dance featuring the Blackthorn Band from Vancouver, with opening act Andrew McCayden, local gaelic singer will take place Saturday, Feb. 5 at 8 p.m. at the Columbus Community Centre.
Each time people participate in an activity during the festival, they are eligible to enter the draw for the grand prize of a $4,000 Via Rail round trip Jasper to Vancouver.
