A horse-drawn sleigh ride provided an ideal way to enjoy the winter beauty of Brantwood Park. Photo by Jim Lamont.
Brantwood Park looked like a winter wonderland as Old Ottawa East residents gathered on Jan. 19 to celebrate the annual Winter Party in the Park.
Hosted by the Community Activities Group of Old Ottawa East (CAG), this event is always a highlight in the community and the perfect way to celebrate all that winter has to offer in Ottawa.
The rinks were busy with new skaters just learning how to stay upright, and more advanced skaters testing their abilities in a friendly skills competition. Other party goers tried snowshoeing, some enjoyed tobogganing, and a fire pit was available whenever someone needed to warm up.
The Rideau River was the perfect backdrop for enjoying a horse-drawn sleigh ride around Brantwood.
Inside the field house, CAG volunteers served up plenty of hot dogs and a whopping 10 gallons of hot chocolate! Food and activities were free to all who participated in the winter party. CAG raised $220 through generous donations.
The CAG Event Team under the leadership of CAG Board member Melanie Gilbert organized the party. CAG would like to thank the following volunteers who contributed to making the day such a success: Christine Scales, Stacey Wowchuk, Nick Masciantonio, Maureen Ward, Kevin Farrell, Mitch Phomin, Nick Workun and Jordan Sneyd-Dewar, Andrew Crawford, Jim and Marina Lamont, Carol Ann Owen, Esther Sepahi, Lisa and Todd Dunnett, Cynthia Mayville, Heather Jarrett, Margot Montgomery, Dave Macki, Suzanne Gagnon, Jim Fraser, Ramine Shaw, Catherine Pacella and Sandra Lawless.
Thank you also to Cindy Courtemanche and her outstanding team of rink volunteers for continuing to provide Old Ottawa East with such a wonderful winter resource.
Great volunteers + the best outdoor rink in Ottawa + outstanding community spirit = an amazing winter party!
Old Ottawa East residents can also look forward to the annual Valentine Skate on Friday, February 14, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Come out and enjoy music, candles, hot dogs, chili, hot chocolate, and hot apple cider. For one evening only, please no hockey sticks.
Volunteers Carla Liu, Mitch Phomin, and Merlin Liu help to keep the rinks cleaned as a light snow fell on Brantwood Park. Photo by Jim Lamont.
