The Red Deer Winter Carnival attracted hundreds of families to Bower Ponds this weekend, with the weather co-operating at balmy, near-zero temperatures.
Organizers with the local French-Canadian Association said 1,800 people came to the festival on Friday night to watch fireworks and enjoy light displays while at least 3,500 people arrived on Saturday afternoon for music, food booths, skating, sledding, crafts and a variety of other activities.
The band Les Boucherons helped entertain the crowds, setting an upbeat mood for this celebration of French-Canadian culture in central Alberta. Traditional treats, including maple-syrup taffy, pea soup and sugar pie were also on offer.