WHAT’S UP IN WINNIPEG: OUR COMMUNITY EVENTS GUIDE FOR FEBRUARY 2018

YOUR SOURCE FOR LOCAL EVENTS HAPPENING RIGHT IN OUR AREA!

Don’t let the cold trap you inside.  There is plenty to do in February in Winnipeg.  With that in mind, we have created the following list.  The only criteria: the event had to sound interesting, and cost less than $20 per person.  Many of these options are even FREE!!

February 2, 2018 | 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. | Mardi Gras Dance and Costume Party. For all ages.  Dress up and partake in the festivities.  Offering plenty of prizes and games for children, teens, and adults.  There will be dancing, pizza, and pop. Co-hosted by knights of Columbus and St. Ignatius Youth Ministry. Location: St. Ignatius Church, 255 Stafford Street, Winnipeg.

February 2, 2018| 6:00 p.m. | Camerata Nova at Guy Maddin's Temple of Lost Things. Wander down the Red River Mutual Trail to Warming Huts v.2018 Invited Artist Guy Maddin's Temple of Lost Things constructed from Red River ice + driftwood to experience a choral performance like no other. Choral ensemble Camerata Nova will perform inside the Hut, below Queen Elizabeth Way Bridge, providing exceptionally unique acoustics. Location: Red River Mutual Trail

February 1-4, 2018 | Greendell Winter Carnival.  Offering plenty of activities for all ages including pizza nights, magic shows, socials, pancake breakfasts, bouncers, and more.  Visit greendell.ca for the itinerary.  Location: Greendell Community Centre, 75 Woodlawn Avenue, Winnipeg

February 1-7, 2018 | La Poutine Week. A weeklong food festival celebrating the great French-Canadian classic – poutine! From the same geniuses behind Le Burger Week!  This year, there are 80 restaurants in Winnipeg participating.  For a list of participants, visit: lapoutineweek.com.

February 2-4, 2018 | Ironman Outdoor Curling Bonspiel. this is Canada’s largest outdoor curling bonspiel - 88 teams field & 10 sheets of ice. The Bonspiel (est. 2001) is a fundraiser for the Heart & Stroke Foundation. All ages, skill levels and genders are welcome. Location: Beachcombers

February 3, 2018 | Robert Steen Community Centre Winter Carnival.  Offering activities for all ages, some of which include a family dance, pancake breakfast, interactive learning sessions, bingo, hay rides, and more.  Tickets are $10 (or $12 at the door) per adult, $5.00 per child 10-17, kids 9 & under are FREE. Visit robertasteencc.ca for more information.  Location: Robert Steen Community Centre, 980 Palmerston Avenue

February 3, 2018 | St Norbert Heritage Day. A day full of free family activities celebrating the culture and heritage of our community. Visit stnorbertcc.ca for more information.  Location: St Norbert Community Centre, 3450 Pembina Highway

February 3, 2018 | 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. | Just for Kids Marble Run Mania. Design and build your own marble run using cardboard recyclables, then watch those marbles fly! Experiment with speed, gravity, angles and your imagination. Free. Register online at Winnipeg.ca/library. Location: Louis Riel Library, 1168 Dakota Street

February 4, 2018 | 8:00 a.m. | The Great Skate.  A free 6km race on the Red River Mutual Trail, organized by November Project Winnipeg. Open to all abilities! Location: South Atrium in The Forks Market

February 1-28, 2018 | Ice Castles Winnipeg. You likely have seen posts on social media from others of the expansive acre-sized Winter Wonderland, but you will only have until the end of February to view it.  All crafted by hand! Ticket prices range from $9.95-$20 depending on the day of week you go, if you are purchasing at the door, and your age.  Children under 4 are free. Location: Parks Canada Place at the Forks National Historic Site, Winnipeg

February 7, 14, 21 & 28 | 7:00 - 8:00 pm | The Forks Learn to Skate. Forks Market Atrium Learn how to: Fit, tie and wear skates so they don't hurt your feet,  Balance and stride with confidence on your skates, Stop, turn, cross cut and skate backwards, New skaters, haven't skated in 20 years skaters, and people wanting to improve current skate skills are welcome!  Skate rentals available at Iceland Skate Rentals. Location: The Forks Market Atrium

February 9-11 | The First Annual International Crokicurl Tournaspiel.  Includes tournaments, awards, and free family fun day.  You do need to register your team.  Location: The Forks Market Atrium.

February 10, 2018 | 2:00 p.m. | Folk for Families Free Concert.  Join Sonja Rasmussen as she puts on a free family concert.  For more information visit: WinnipegFolkFestival.ca. Location: Millennium Library, 251 Donald Street.

February 10, 2018 | It’s Not a Pirate Ship! Stories of Modern Day Rigging. A family-friendly event that explores what it is like to be a modern-day rigger!  The Nonsuch Gallery is now temporarily closed for a major gallery renewal – come hear about what’s happening behind the scenes before the Nonsuch re-opens in summer 2018! Your ticket includes all-day admission to the Museum Galleries (before or after the event). Admission $14 General, $9 Child/Student (3-17, or with valid student ID), Kids under 3 get in free. Location: Manitoba Museum, 190 Rupert Avenue

February 10-11, 2018 | Central Canada Horror and Sci-Fi Expo. Formerly known as St Valentines Horror Con, Central Canada Comic Con Presents The Horror and Sci-fi Expo! Manitoba's premier Convention for all of your Horror and Sci-fi needs! Come by and see some amazing attractions, fantastic guest lineups, and ghoulish costumes. With plenty of photo opportunities around the hall, you will be bound to come away with some amazing memories! Weekend pass: $20, day pass: $10. Location: RBC Convention Centre, 375 York Avenue

February 11, 2018 | Half Moon Market.  The Half Moon Market is a craft show with heart, in the heart of the Winnipeg's downtown. Think outside the craft box with 20+ local artisans, free admission, and a comfortable setting. Location: Inn at the Forks

February 11, 2018| 12:00 – 5:00 p.m.| Valentine Pop-Up Farmer’s Market.  A pop-up farmers' market! Local Manitoba food, crafts, clothing vendors, and artists will be there. Find the perfect Valentine's Day gift for your loved one. Location: Union Station – Via Rail

February 14, 2018| 6:00 p.m. Doors Open, 7:00 p.m. Start | Winnipeg Jets Skills Competition. Winnipeg Jets players compete head-to-head in five events. The first 5,000 fans to arrive will receive a Winnipeg Jets Collectors Cup.  There will be exciting prize giveaways throughout the night for all fans in attendance.  Proceeds benefit the True North Youth Foundation and the NHLPA Goals and Dreams Fund.  Cost: $20, $15, $10 depending on the ticket. Tickets can be purchased at: nhl.com/jets/fans/skills. Location:  Bell MTS Place - 300 Portage Ave. 

February 15, 2018 | 6:30-7:30 p.m.| National Film Board of Canada Film Club For Kids. Especially selected for young audiences, five animated shorts will move and entertain the whole family: Janice Nadeau’s Mamie, Janet Perlman’s Bully Dance, Pierre Sylvestre’s Cot Cot, Bertrand Langlois’ Demon and Marvels and Judith Klein’s Catuor. Register online at Winnipeg.ca/library. Location: Westwood Library, 66 Allard Avenue, Winnipeg

February 16-18, 2018 | Winnipeg Wellness Expo. Learn about many of the new and some ancient products and services available to you to help enhance or improve your quality of life. The Wellness Expo now consumes the entire first floor of the RBC Convention Centre to bring you the ultimate Body, Mind Soul Experience. General Admission: $10.00 per day, Seniors / Students: $8.00 per day, under 14 years old free. Location: RBC Convention Centre, 375 York Avenue

February 16-25, 2018 | Festival du Voyageur.  Could we call this a guide if we forgot Festival?  Heck no!  Every winter since 1970, Saint-Boniface, Winnipeg’s French quarter, is transformed into a winter paradise and becomes host to the largest winter festival in Western Canada. Voyageur, Métis and First Nations histories are brought back to life, not only through the historical interpretation offered inside reconstructed Fort Gibraltar, but also through the many attractions inside Voyageur Park and at the festival’s various official sites. Music of old, traditional cuisine, sensational snow sculptures and captivating shows are but a few examples of the entertainment you can expect to witness during this convivial gathering. Offering a vast array of historical, recreational and educational activities, Festival du Voyageur has something for all tastes and all ages! For more information, visit: festivalvoyageur.mb.ca.  Location: Voyageur Park, St. Boniface

February 17, 2018 | 2:00-4:00 p.m.| Just for Kids Lego Block Party. Test your LEGO® logic by answering skill testing trivia questions, read some amazing LEGO® stories, make your own bookmark to take home...and more! Free. Registration required. Register at winnipeg.ca/library to register. Location: Sir William Stephenson Library, 765 Keewatin Street, Winnipeg

February 19, 2018 | Wild Winter Canoe Race.  Yes, it's a canoe race – in the winter – on the ice. Have a blast and help Inclusion Winnipeg raise money to support the Emergency Card Project for the design of a communication tool to be used by people with communication challenges in situations of distress or emergency.  You do need to register in advance.  For more information or to register, please visit: wildwintercanoerace.com.  Location: Red River Mutual Trail.

February 2, 9, 16, 23 | 8:30 p.m.| Wee Johnny’s Comedy Night.  The first Friday of every month is Women’s Open Mic Comedy hosted by Dana Smith.  The other Friday’s alternate between Stand-up comedy, Sketch Comedy, and Alternative Comedy shows. Price: $5.  Location: Wee Johnny’s, 177 McDermot Avenue

February 23, 2018 | 1:00 – 7:00 p.m. | Blood Donor Clinic. We thought it would be nice to finish off the month with some charitable giving. It’s in you to give! To book an appointment please call 1-888-2-DONATE (1-888-236-6283). Location: CanadInn Transcona attached to Nashville’s.

Feel that we have missed something?  Please email Jennifer@JenniferQueen.com so that we can have your event added!

I cannot tell you how often we are asked by a client whether or not we think they should paint.  The short answer: YES!  

The next question we get asked: but what colour?  Stick to neutrals! That appeals to the widest group of buyers.  Yes, we acknowledge that this is boring and cookie-cutter, but there is a reason that so many people do it – it works!  The neutral palettes are less distracting and it makes it easier for buyers to imagine moving their belongings into the space.  If you are dying to sneak some colour into the home, do so with your décor (accent pillows, statement pieces, etc.).

Even if your house is already a neutral palette, you may still want to think about painting.  With time walls can get damaged and scuffed-up, which gives the impression to buyers that the home is dirty or unkempt.  Nothing that a fresh coat of paint can't help!

You do not have to paint the whole house either.  A quick cheat is to paint the living space and kitchen for the most dramatic effect. If the kids’ rooms are neon green and fuchsia, don’t worry too much about it — they are secondary rooms and do not affect the sale as much as the primary rooms would. I would only recommend making a change in those rooms if the colours are making the room feel smaller or if the walls are particularly banged up.  Of course if you have a lot of time on your hands (yeah right) you could paint these secondary rooms, but the return on dollars and effort spent will be negligible.

As a bonus to our loyal following, we are going to offer you three of the paint colours we most frequently recommend!

Greys are really in right now.  For a nice light and neutral grey, we recommend: Benjamin Moore Classic Gray OC23 because it is as neutral as it gets with its slightly greige (beige) undertone.  This means that depending on the room and exposure it will flex from the gray end of things to the beige end without committing 100% to either.  Also, for those of you that have painted a room in a neutral tone only to have it look purple or pink in the daylight, rest assured.  This paint does not have any purple undertones in it!

For those that want to go the more traditional route with neutral tans/beiges, we recommend: Sherwin Williams Canvas Tan SW7531.  This colour works well in all rooms (including smaller ones) and looks gorgeous with almost all wood colors and white trim.  It is a nice warm and inviting colour too!  Just beware that this color looks horrible with pink hues. 

Another trend we have seen is one toward slightly off-white colours.  For this, we recommend: Sherwin Williams Creamy SW7012.  It is hard to believe, but white can be one of the most difficult colours to paint your home.  The wrong shade of white can make your home look sterile or dirty.  This colour however is the perfect off-white with warm undertones.  It also has a neutral base to calm it down so that it isn’t overly yellow or orange looking – it’s more like a very light ‘cream’.

There, now you know all of our secrets!  Does anyone have any paint suggestions they would like to add to this list?  We are always open to new suggestions!