Grim future for winter festival

Prince Albert could see its annual Winter Festival come to an end a year after it celebrated its 50th anniversary.

 “I know that the winter festival absolutely cannot continue with the lack of volunteer and board support that we’ve been dealing with the last number of years,” said Darrell Prokopie, president of the Prince Albert Winter Festival.

With the festival at a crossroads, Prokopie said many questions need to be brought up at the annual general meeting, which will take place in November.

“Perhaps it needs a whole rejig, a whole rethink, as to what the event is.  I’ve been told maybe we don’t need this event, maybe we should add that event,” he said. “I guess that’s the discussion that needs to take place is what is the winter festival, what does it mean and where do people see it going?”

The festival will be going through its fair share of changes if it is to continue.  Prokopie said he will not be returning as winter festival president moving forward.

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“I’ve been at it five years now.  I really truly believe that my time has come,” he said. “I’m certainly willing to stay on and assist and help … to lend some of the knowledge that I’ve gained over the last five years.”

Prokopie said he doesn’t see anyone on the current board that’s going to take the position which is another reason the upcoming meeting is so important. 

The festival has included numerous events such as dog sled racing, ice sculpting and fireworks.  Prokopie said he encourages any ideas to make the festival better.

“We would welcome anybody and everybody that has thoughts, ideas, and a passion for the festival,” he said.

Prokopie said if there’s not enough interest in the meeting, it could mean the end of the winter festival.

“If you feel a passion for the festival, if you think there’s events within the festival that need to continue, we need to see you at the meeting,” he said.

The annual general meeting will take place on Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. at the Margo Fournier Center.

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