Notes from the Rotary Meeting 12.30pm Thursday, February 5, 2026.
President Olaf chaired the meeting.
Club Business
Olaf reminder Rotarians that next Thursday lunch meeting February 12 will be at the usual time 12.30pm but at the Blow Me Down Ski Lodge on Lundrigan Drive, CB.
Olaf had had a message from Geoff Goodyear, ADG concerning Rotary International Youth Exchange programs that are offered to students for a long- or short-term exchanges. Olaf plans to contact the local high schools or school board offices regarding this program. This is a great program sponsored by Rotary International for students and hopefully Guidance Counsellors in schools in Western Newfoundland will shortly have more information about these programs.
Guest Speaker
The guest speaker Dawn King, President of the Corner Brook Winter Carnival Society was introduced and then spoke about the exciting 10 days from Friday February 20 – March 1, 2026, when the Corner Brook 2026 Winter Carnival will take place.
Dawn began by saying she has been involved since 1996 with the Winter Carnival Society, and this will be the 53rd Winter Carnival. She mentioned that it is the longest and largest winter event east of Montreal.
The event is run by a Board of seven members with two nonvoting members. She noted that a lot of the success of Corner Brook Winter Carnival is due to the
sponsors who donate financially or in kind as Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze and Friends of Carnival depending on the level of support.
The Committee itself employs an office administrator but everyone else volunteers their time.
In the fall elementary schools are approached to suggest a slogan for the coming Winter Carnival. The winning slogan for this year came from Mr. Bradbury’s class, Eastside Elementary School and is Get in the Spirit, Get in the Mix, for Winter Carnival 2026!
In January the two Social Media Ambassadors were chosen, and they are Lily Smallwood and Ella Rashleigh
The Leifling Annual Gala will take place February 22 when a child aged from kindergarten to Grade 6 will be selected to accompany Leif the Lucky (Dave Elms) during Carnival activities.
Corner Brook Winter Carnival is for all ages and interests to enjoy participating in the many over a hundred different events. Many organisations sponsor meals and activities as fundraisers for their organisation.
Dawn went through the new and regular events that can be found in the printed program and on the Winter Carnival web page. Printed programs can be found where Carnival badges are sold but they are also available at the Winter Carnival office. The Carnival begins with the raising of the Carnival flag followed by a torch light parade from City Hall to Margaret Bowater Park where there will be a Night of Music and Magic and here Leif the Lucky will emerge from his hut so Carnival can begin.
Dawn answered several questions before being thanked for her 2026 Winter Carnival presentation that showed the work done for ten months by the volunteer committees so that the Corner Brook 2026 Winter Carnival will be ten days of activities, fun and many delicious meals. A time for everyone whatever their age, to participate and join in with others at the many 2026 Winter Carnival events thus making the Carnival a great success.