26th Annual Akwesasne Winter Carnival Held at Tsi Snaihne Recreation

Last weekend the Tsi Snaihne Recreation hosted the 26th Annual Akwesasne Carnival. The events kicked off with the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne versus the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe Challenge, where the two competed in a series of games. It was a very close tie, and had to go into two tiebreakers before announcing that Mohawk Council was the winner. Some other events that took place on Friday included Seniors Bingo, the Torch run, Beaded Earring Competition, Crowning of the Royalty, and the Akwesasne Boys and Girls Club teen dance. Saturday's events began with a series of different tournaments that included Family kickball, Corn soup making, and Jenga. Later in the afternoon there was also Lightening Bingo and Snowshoeing. Later that evening there was the Grit and Glam Newspaper fashion show, where children and their teams showed off their newspaper fashion creations. Over the course of the two days there was a karaoke event held where singers would compete in their own performances of karaoke songs. Finally, Saturday's events were concluded with a movie night and Rock-n skate. Sunday was the final day of the festival, which consisted of a few more various competitions and contests, and was declared to an official end with the awards ceremony to congratulate and honor all those who took part in this three-day event. Throughout the event, participants were given tickets to enter in a door prize that would be drawn at the end of the festival. Despite the cold weather, lots of people came out to celebrate and take part in the fun activities that were offered. This annual event is an incredible way to bring together the community and have a weekend of fun, while honoring our culture and hobbies.

Submitted by Mae Green

Well the 2017 Akwesasne Winter Carnival has come to an end. The Carnival started out with bitterly cold weather, but that is expected, as it is winter. The second day was the same but we still went on, our coordinators braved the cold and stayed outside taking short breaks to come in and warm up. Thanks to the all the participants for being understanding. The final day brought us warmer weather but along with that a lot of snow. The day was beautiful to be outside and we enjoyed the outdoor games. Regardless of all the snow we were getting, everything went on as scheduled. We had several events which started early such as the Writing Contest, Upcycle-Recycle contest, Ace Scavenger Hunt and Iakhihsohtha held their Snowflake gathering on Thursday along with a Snowflake bingo. Other events were held on Friday morning at the Hogan Seniors; Wii Bowling and Search a word Contest, and CKON hosted a 50+ Bingo from 2-4 pm also at the Hogan Seniors.

On Friday the Annual MCA vs. TRIBE Challenge took place with the following games Broomball, Kickball, Texas Holdem', Puzzling and Pictionary once again Team MCA was Triumphant! This year Team Tribe came so close but lost in a tie breaking sudden death game of Pictionary! Maybe next year Team Tribe!

The Torch arrived at the Snye Recreation at 4:45 p.m. and the 26th Akwesasne Winter Carnival was officially open. This was followed by the Crowning of the King and Queen. This year's King and Queen were Mitchell and Elizabeth (Liz) Sunday, and the Prince and Princess were Mae and Wayne Green.

Once the Carnival was open all events and activities follow for the entire weekend with over 35 events and activities planned. There were also a lot of different meals to choose from and Breakfast Benefits were held both days. There were air houses, photo booths and face painting provided for all. The cold weather or snow did not deter people from participating in the activities or events. Everything finished as scheduled. The final Italian Buffet Meal was served at 3:00 p.m. and the Awards Ceremony started at 3:30 p.m.

List of winners for most of the Events:

WII BOWLING (EMILY TARBELL)

Beatrice White – Highest Score

Beatrice White & Roger Caldwell – Most Strikes

Sally Hamelin – Lowest Score

SEARCH A WORD (EMILY TARBELL)

Doris Thompson – 3 minutes

UPCYCLE/RECYCLE CONTEST (LOUISE'S BOUTIQUE/DEBBIE THOMAS & MARGARET THOMAS-JOCK)

Caroline & Genny Peters, Kaylynn Adams & Krista Phillips

ACE WINTER CHALLENGE (SCAVENGER HUNT) (PAULA, PAMELA & MARGARET JACOBS)

1st Place: McDonald's - Leighann, Loveday MacDonald, Whitney & Xander Roundpoint

2nd Place: Cash me Outside - Diane, Mylee Lazore, Heather Garrow, L. McDonald

3rd Place: NABA - Nylah & Anthony Tillman, Benny Herne & Amber McDonald

ACE TO KING 55+ (DWAYNE & MARGARET THOMAS)

1st Place: Kasewaien Peters

2nd Place: Janice Brown

Skunk Award: King Mitch Sunday

Open Division under 55:

1st Place: Lyle Lazore

2nd Place: Prince Wayne Green

Skunk Award: Jingles Mitchell

ADULT KARAOKE CONTEST (MARY FAYE ROUNDPOINT/ROGER MITCHELL)

1st Place: Jenna Clute

2nd Place: Brittany Boots

TURKEY BOWLING (GUZZY)

Adults

1st Place: Leonard Lazore

2nd Place: Kahawanion David

3rd Place: Melissa Johnson

Teens

1st Place: Iate Thomas

2nd Pace: Jenson Johnson

3rd Place: Rorontakehte

Kids

1st Place: Joelle Peters

2nd Place: Treyen Terrance

3rd Place: Graydon Seymour

BIG BREAK GOLF CHALLENGE (CHIEF JOE LAZORE & BILLY SUNDAY)

Matt Thompson & Wishé David

LOG SAWING CONTEST (JINGLES, STEVE, LYLE & CINDY)

1st Place: Cheryl Lazare (Women)

1st Place: Lance Lazore (Men)

1st Place: Darryl Lazare Jr. (Teen)

1st Place: Janie Johnson (Teen)

TEEN KARAOKE (MARY FAYE ROUNDPOINT/ROGER MITCHELL)

1st Place: Seana Gambil

2nd Place: Marissa Clute

KIDS KARAOKE

1st Place: Navan Hill

2nd Place: Leita Leaf

GRIT AND GLAM NEWSPAPER FASHION SHOW (RONKWAS PETERS)

1st Place: Cali Thompson, Kakwi Thomas, Evin Smart, Vincinette Cook

2nd Place: Team Awesome - Taylor Martin, Iehrakwas, Iehontakewas, Tekatanies

3rd Place: McRounds - Whitney, Lorra, Ansley & Coral

PANCAKE MAKING (GUZZY & TOBI MITCHELL)

1st Place: Alicia & Penny

2nd Place: Maggie & Leonee

3rd Place: Latoya & Girls

NOT-SO-NEWLY-WED-GAME (AKWESASNE TV)

Winners were our very own King Mitch Sunday & Queen Elizabeth!

TEA BOILING (GUZZY & TOBI MITCHELL)

1st Place: Penny Peters & Leighann McDonald

2nd Place: Toya & Rohentiio

3rd Place: Dinah & Kahawanion David

GOLF CHIPPING CHALLENGE (CHIEF JOE LAZORE & BILL SUNDAY)

Only person to succeed: Stewart Peters

MINI STICK TOURNAMENT (MAGGIE KING & LEONEE MITCHELL)

Participation Prizes to: Bentley Gray, Camryn King, Iate Thomas, Treyton Mitchell

FAMILY KICKBALL TOURNAMENT (DIANE LAZORE)

1st Place: Crash Course-Charlotte Swamp's Team

CHILI CONTEST WINNERS:

1st Place: Robin Lazore

2nd Place: Taylor Martin

OREO COOKIE STACKING (MAUREEN BENEDICT)

10 & under

1st Place: Anawariio Lazore

2nd Place: Karter Lyons

11-18 years

Rohentiio Rourke

Mackenzie Garrow's sister

Over 18

1st Place: Leonard Lazore

2nd Place: Tim Sunday

PUZZLE CONTEST (HILL TOP WOMEN'S SOFTBALL TEAM)

1st Place: Mel Back's Team

2nd Place: Veronica Smoke's Team

HORSESHOE TOURNAMENT (PRINCE WAYNE GREEN & GUZZY)

1st Place: Lance Lazore and Son

2nd Place: Tim Sunday and Benedict

JENGA TOURNAMENT (A/CDP PREVENTION PROGRAM)

1st Place: Latoya & Rohontiio Rourke

2nd Place: Matt Thompson, Quaya Rourke, Mattya Thompson

3rd Place: Skasenieo Shenendoah & Noelani Rourke

CAKE BOSS CHALLENGE:

Talon Jacobs

Shyah Terrance

Aynsley Cook

BOOT HOCKEY TOURNAMENT (Station #3)

Champions: Station #3 Firemen

(Thanks for taking care of our Ice Rink!)

BEADED EARRING CONTEST:

12-15 years: Tsikoseriio David

16-20 years: Waverli Thompson

21+: Leanne Hill

QUILT BINGO (PAULA JACOBS, BOBBI & CONNIE LAZORE)

The grand prize sewing machine was won by Judy Cole. The lap quilts that were donated will be split between Iakhihsohtha and Tsiionkwanonhso:te residents.

POWER WHEELS (CYNTHIA LORD & ROBBIE WHITE)

Held at the Snye School for ages 0-7 was held as a participation event.

LIGHTING BINGO (BENEFIT FOR THE AKWESASNE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP)

Raised $275.25 for the Cancer Support Group.

Winners received either cash prizes, gift certificates or gift baskets for winning!

There are some events which we don't have results for. They were not dropped off at our Information Booth. We also had Air Houses for the children, face painting, photo booth provided by the Carnival Committee and Communications Department of Mohawk Council of Akwesasne.

We have a few envelopes left of winners. If you see your name, please contact the Snye Recreation to make arrangements to pick up your prize at 613-575-2496 and leave a message.

The Snye Recreation and Akwesasne Winter Carnival Committee, along with Family and Friends of George and Edith Adams, held a Breakfast and Auction and raised a total of $3,586.00 Canadian and $826.00 US to assist them during this difficult time. We are wishing them all the best.

Our Grand Prize winners were:

$100.00 Speedway Plaza Gift Card – Cindy Lazore

$100.00 Twin Leaf Gift Card – Ella Jacobs

$100.00 Bears Den Gift Card – Iohetiio Peters-Martin

$400.00 #9 Fuels Gift Certificate – Dana Skye

Niawen Kowa to #9 Fuels who matched our purchase of our $200.00 Prize!

Our Grand Prize Winner is Chief Joe Lazore - $1,200.00 Travel Voucher for a choice of three Waterparks in Niagara Falls, Ontario or Quebec City! Arrangements courtesy of Dinelle Travel.

First and foremost I would like to thank our Awesome Snye Recreation Committee Volunteers who do an Outstanding Job! To the Akwesasne Winter Carnival Committee those who come out and run events, all in all things ran smoothly. We just hit a few bumps, but nothing we couldn't handle. To our neighbors the HAVFD Station #3 who work hard, not only during Carnival time, but every winter providing ice for community members. To our Sponsors Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe Community Fund who donated $5,000.00 each towards the Carnival, and the Snye Recreation using funds from our Annual Christmas Enchantment donating $10,000.00 towards this Annual Event. To the Economic Development Department of MCA for preparing and printing the 2017 Akwesasne Winter Carnival Program. Niawen Kowa to everyone who took part in this year's Winter Carnival. We had a Spectacular 26th Akwesasne Winter Carnival! See you all again in a FEW YEARS!