Students and staff at St. James Catholic Elementary School received a wonderful gift the first week back to school from the Christmas break. A beautifully carved wooden bear was donated to the school from the Walden Winter Carnival Organizing Committee. The school, which has been a part of the winter carnival for over 20 years, was given the bear that was carved by a chainsaw as a part of last year’s carnival. The St. James mascot is a bear so their newly donated bear – now representing their mascot, is now proudly on display in the school’s library with a commemorative plaque. Wayne St. George, the Chair of the Walden Winter Carnival Committee, said that he thought it was a good fit to donate the bear to the school. “The bear was carved last year as part of the carnival festivities, and seeing as it is ties in so well with the school’s mascot – we thought that the donation would be a perfect fit.” St. George said. “We have a really positive relationship with the school as we use it as part of the carnival location.” Dan Stargratt, vice principal of the school was extremely happy with the donation. “All of the students and staff have commented that the new bear in the library is a beautiful piece of art and we are very thankful to the Walden Winter Carnival Committee for their generous donation.”
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the carnival, one of the longest running winter carnivals in the province, and the committee is looking forward to sharing all of the upcoming events with the community.