“Five- to 12-year-olds are going to really enjoy meeting Code Squad,” says Caroline Obeid, artistic producer and manager, Shenkman Arts Centre. “They’ve got some terrific hands-on, interactive technology. And for younger children, face painting by LynneART Face & Body Art is always a hit.” Include the entire family for a fun selfie in costumes supplied by the Ottawa School of Theatre’s tickle trunk – it will become a treasured photo. And everyone can get in on the action to help complete a giant colouring page with help from community-engaged artist Brenda Dunn.
Performing on the main stage are Geneviève RB and Alain Barbeau. This Francophone singer-songwriter folk duo will delight with their beautiful harmonies and emotion-filled songs. “The main stage is a bit eclectic,” says Obeid. “From the lovely Francophone folk duo, to a flavour of Afro-Caribbean music and dance, to hoop dancing, you can just sit back and enjoy.” Rhonda Doxator from the Oneida nation of southern Ontario will amaze with her intricate hoop dancing. And enjoy the beat of East Indian drums, along with Bollywood dancing from Galitcha. Savour Afro-Caribbean song/djembe and dance with Suzan Lavertu and Eric Sarah. From Wolastoq First Nation, Lili Miller will show you how to make a square birchbark basket with beaded handles to take home.
“This really is a community effort,” says Obeid. “It’s great to see the partnerships that give Fête Frissons its energy, from our local Orléans BIA and MIFO, to local arts and theatre groups like Ottawa School of Theatre.” She says to make sure you get outside and enjoy winter activities that the Bob McQuarrie Recreation Complex and the Ruddy Family YMCA-YWCA have set up. And it just wouldn’t be Winterlude without maple taffy on snow. The Cumberland Heritage Village Museum will offer this delicious treat along with the history of maple syrup production.
Celebrate Fête Frissons – Winterlude in Orléans on Saturday, February 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Obeid suggests checking the Shenkman Arts Centre website at www.shenkmanarts.ca for details and any last-minute additions.
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