Party time for moms, dads and kids at the Centre de la Nature
Thousands of moms, dads and children from all over Laval turned up at the Centre de la Nature in Duvernay on the weekend of Jan. 27-28-29 for Laval en Blanc, a celebration of winter that serves as an annual counterpoint to the city’s popular Fête de la Famille during the summer.
There was snow sledding, ice skating and even some musical performances and children’s shows to be enjoyed in the warmth inside a large pavilion.
Although there was no ice fishing along the frozen Rivière des Mille Îles as there was in years past when Laval en Blanc was held in Sainte-Rose, the beauty and vastness of the Centre de la Nature made up for it.
Some mid-winter fun
For some, the idea of having fun outdoors during the winter, in temperatures hovering around zero degrees celsius, remains a novel idea and a discovery in itself – although it is the very reason the event is held each year in mid-winter by the City of Laval.
The bumper cars were definitely a hit with young and old alike, as was the zip-line, while the strolling clowns and stilt walkers got the attention of one and all.
Several of the City of Laval’s elected representatives, including Laval-Les Îles councillor Nicholas Borne and Marigot councillor (and council president) Cecilia Macedo, were on hand on Saturday Jan. 28 with members of the families.
Used to be in Sainte-Rose
“This is the 16th edition of Laval en Blanc,” Borne said during a brief interview with the Laval News, noting that the three-day event used to take place in Sainte-Rose, although that wasn’t possible this year because of extensive exterior renovations underway there now.
“So, we’re happy to have it at the Centre de la Nature,” he continued. “It’s a bigger area so we can accommodate more people.” On the evening of Friday Jan. 27, fireworks dominated the sky over the Centre de la Nature, as a large display was ignited to celebrate mid-winter in Laval.
