By Brady Bateman

Winter Festival names honorary chair

Nov 27, 2018 | 4:00 PM

Prince Albert’s annual Winter Festival is rapidly approaching, and with it a new honorary chairperson has been named.

John Kushneryk, a well-known Prince Albert resident, was given the honour at an event held at the Alfred Jenkins Field House Tuesday.

”My involvement with the Winter Festival dates back to about 1967 when I first started competing in the old-time fiddling competition,” said Kushneryk. “I’m honoured to be asked to be honorary chairperson. I was a little hesitant because I’ve never been in this position before … but I’m looking forward to it and hopefully, we’ll have a good time this year.”

Kushneryk was a long time competitor in the Country North Show, having played fiddle since the age of seven. After several years of winning the fiddling portion of the event, Kushneryk continued to be involved as a judge in the competition.

Barry Mihiliewicz, president of the Winter Festival organizing committee, said he was extremely pleased with the pick for this year’s honorary chairperson, and he is anticipating another successful year for the festival.

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“Naming John was an easy choice,” said Mihiliewicz. “He’s actually going to come out and perform at our fiddle show this year so we’re kind of dragging him out of retirement.”

The tradition of naming an honorary chairperson began three years ago, according to Mihiliewicz. The association was looking for a way to raise awareness of the event, and to honour someone in the city, which led to the creation of the Tux and Toques gala and the honorary position.

Mihiliewicz added that the tradition of naming an honorary chairperson will definitely continue into the future.

In addition to the usual festivities, a new comedy competition dubbed “The Funniest Guy With a Day Job” will be held prior to the festival. The winner of the competition will be given the opportunity to open at a comedy show featuring Kelly Taylor.

The annual Winter Festival event runs from Feb. 15 to the 25, 2019. Events will be spread between the E.A. Rawlinson Centre, the Exhibition Centre, and the Alfred Jenkins Fieldhouse, among other locations.

For a detailed list of events and times visit princealbertwinterfestival.com.

brady.bateman@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @TheDigitalBirdy