A Stellar Vermilion Carnival

In 1949, everyone was enjoying the end of a long decade that saw the worst war in human history. In Vermilion, one way they celebrated the coming end to the decade was by hosting a big carnival.

The Vermilion Carnival was held in the last week of February and it proved to be one of the most successful carnivals in the town’s history.

The annual winter carnival, which was sponsored by the teachers of Vermilion, wasn’t hurt by the cold weather as 1,000 people jammed themselves into the arena to celebrate the coming end of winter.

The Queen’s Float was paraded around the ice surface to give everyone a close-up view of the Queen-Elect and her attendants. Thelma Krause was chosen as the Queen of the Carnival.

After the Queen of the Carnival went through, Mayor Morrison presented Thelma with her crown. The new queen, with her attendants Marlene Bidlock, Rena Ronaghan and Betty Beresford, once again paraded around the ice to the delight of everyone.

The float was brought to a rest at the east end of the ice surface. The rest of the evening’s proceedings could then continue with the Queen of the Carnival presiding. Bunty Soley and Robert George gave a performance of the waltz on skates. They drew such applause that there were three encores.

Then the school children came out in costumes for the costume contest. The variety of contests was considered to be the highlight of the entire carnival.

The last part of the evening gave anyone between the age of four and 40 the chance to display their skills on skates through races on the ice.

Once those were complete, another successful winter carnival officially came to a close.

Contact Craig at craig@canadaehx.com. Support Craig by donating at www.canadaehx.com (Click Donate). Listen to his podcast Canadian History Ehx on all podcast platforms.