ABOUT US
65 Winters, One Unbreakable Spirit
Since the early 1960s, the communities of Labrador City and Wabush have welcomed the cold with open arms — and this year, we celebrate 65 years of our signature festival, the Labrador West Winter Carnival. What began as a humble winter gathering has grown into a week-long celebration of our northern life: skating loops under crisp skies, pancakes at sunrise, sled races, crowning of ambassadors, concerts, bonfires and community warmth thriving even when the mercury dips.
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Rooted in the resilience and pride of this region — where mining, wilderness and neighbourly spirit shape our story — the Carnival is more than an event: it’s a yearly affirmation that together, we will embrace winter’s challenge and turn it into joy.
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Here’s to 65 winters of memory-making, connection and seasonal magic — and to many more ahead.
MESSAGE FROM THE MAYORS
On behalf of Town Council, I am pleased to welcome residents and visitors to the 65th Labrador City Winter Carnival. This milestone is a meaningful reminder of how deeply rooted this tradition is in our community.
When Winter Carnival was first celebrated 65 years ago, winters were long, the community was growing, and people depended on one another in ways that helped shape the spirit we continue to see today. What began as a simple way to bring neighbours together during the coldest months quickly became a lasting tradition built on connection, resilience, and shared enjoyment.
Over the years, Winter Carnival has grown alongside our community. While events and activities have evolved, the purpose has remained the same: bringing people together, celebrating winter, and creating memories that span generations. This anniversary is not only a celebration of winter fun, but also a tribute to those who helped establish the carnival and to the many volunteers and organizers who have carried it forward.
This anniversary is not only a celebration of winter fun, but also a tribute to those who helped establish the carnival and to the many volunteers and organizers who have carried it forward.I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the Winter Carnival Committee, volunteers, local businesses, sponsors, and Town staff whose dedication makes this event possible each year. Their efforts honour the past while ensuring this cherished tradition continues.
I invite everyone to take part in the festivities, reflect on how far our community has come, and celebrate 65 years of Winter Carnival in Labrador West. May this year’s celebration be filled with warmth, laughter, and community spirit.
Warm regards,
Jordan Brown
Mayor, Town of Labrador City
Greetings from Town of Wabush;
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On behalf of the Wabush Town Council, our staff and all of us here in the Town of Wabush it is my great pleasure to welcome you all to our 65th Winter Carnival!
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This amazing tradition is an ideal opportunity to take time to celebrate the incredible beauty of our Big Land, our winter season and the strong community spirit that endures here year-round.
After a long year, it is uplifting to see our communities come together for some shared laughter and awesome outdoor fun.
As you look through the schedule of events, you will find activities for citizens of all ages, from toddlers to seniors. No matter what your interests are you will find something to do and if not a sport, or maybe you’re not a lover of the cold, then I encourage you to grab a mug of hot chocolate and cozy up to the fire. Take advantage of as many activities as possible, get active, and connect with family, neighbours and friends. An event of this size and scope is only possible through the tireless dedication of the staff from both towns, Town of Wabush and Town of Labrador City, as well as the many incredible volunteers and the amazing sponsors. Their hard work and commitment make this, the 65th Winter Carnival, a reality and they all deserve our heartfelt thanks and appreciation.
I hope you have embraced the cold months behind us and you embrace any cold months ahead of us with big smiles, lots of laughter and much enthusiasm and that each of you make some wonderful winter memories with the people of our Communities. Have a Safe, Happy, and especially a Fun-Filled 65th Winter Carnival!
Sincerely,
Gertie Canning
Mayor of the Town of Wabush
Messages from The
Department of Recreation
Winter Carnival has always been one of the most meaningful celebrations in Labrador West, and this year holds added significance as we mark an incredible 65th anniversary. For generations, the Carnival has brought people together through shared experiences, winter traditions, and a deep sense of community pride.
This celebration reflects what makes Labrador West such a remarkable place to call home: connection, resilience, and the joy of coming together, even in the heart of winter. I look forward to seeing residents and visitors alike out enjoying the events, taking part in the activities, and creating new memories throughout the week.
On behalf of our community, I extend a sincere thank you to the Labrador City Special Events Committee. The impact of their efforts is felt across Labrador West, and we are truly grateful.
Here’s to 65 years of Winter Carnival and to many more still to come.
Kind regards,
Taylor Gambin
Director of Recreation
Town of Labrador City
On behalf of the Towns of Labrador City and Wabush, I am absolutely overjoyed to welcome you to our 65th Labrador West Winter Carnival.
This year’s carnival is especially meaningful to me, as it represents the incredible power of community coming together. With a full committee of 23 dedicated volunteers, alongside the amazing staff from the Town of Labrador City and the Town of Wabush, this combined Winter Carnival has truly become a celebration built by our communities, for our communities.
We have worked hard to create a schedule filled with events that we hope will offer something for everyone — from families and youth to seniors and long-time carnival supporters. Our sincere hope is that you will come out, take part, enjoy the festivities, and create lasting memories with your family and friends throughout these ten wonderful days.
In celebration of this milestone anniversary, we are thrilled to be bringing back several beloved traditions from past carnivals. The Carnival Princess Competition returns this year, and for one year only, we will be crowning a Carnival Queen, making this celebration even more special and exciting. We are also proud to introduce Teen Ambassadors, with two youth being crowned and awarded scholarships, recognizing leadership, community spirit, and involvement.
Throughout the carnival, you will see our Royal Families, patrons from both towns, and many local organizations taking part — all contributing their time, energy, and passion to help make this 65th Winter Carnival truly unforgettable.
Thank you to everyone who plays a role, big or small, in making this celebration possible. We look forward to seeing you out enjoying the events, sharing the laughter, and celebrating everything that makes our communities so special.
Warmest regards,
Evelyn Power Ryan
Special Events Program Coordinator
Town of Labrador City
Our Team.
Guided by Evelyn’s passion for community and decades of experience in special-events coordination, the Volunteer Carnival Committee brings together 19 dedicated residents, to stage the magic of the 65th Annual Labrador West Winter Carnival. From planning the outdoor skating loops and torch-lighting ceremony to organizing the family breakfasts, teen ambassador events and grand parade, this committee works behind the scenes year-round to ensure every moment brings warmth, excitement and neighbour-to-neighbour connection. Under Evelyn’s leadership the team turns snowy sidewalks and long winter nights into one of the region’s most anticipated celebrations—proof that when we work together, community isn’t just a place, it’s a promise.
