This winter festival concept was conceived in the late 1970s and continued for five or six years. Communities in the Torbé area entertained themselves for a weekend in late February and embraced the reality of the winter season by bringing out our old winter traditions and celebrating them anew. On an ox-drawn sleigh at Tommy Fougère, or a horse at Joe McGirr, or even in a horse-drawn cart at Blair, participants could ride around the village like their ancestors of old. Young people tobogganed down the knoll at Archie and Beulah’s Horseshoe Lake at Junction or on the knoll at Farm Lake, and were served hot chocolate after their fun-filled adventures. But central to the celebrations was the preparation of tamarind, a traditional sweet made with molasses or vinegar. This was prepared by our genealogist and historian, Geneva Fougère. She prepared this mixture to perfection with a crowd of participants around her to witness this traditional preparation in detail. Saturday concluded with an evening of music for all to enjoy.

In 2025, this festival was won with the same goals, but with adaptations. It was held at the Guysborough Community Centre during the day on Saturday, February 15th. Instead of horse or ox rides, participants skated on the rink, enjoyed a bowl of fricot prepared by Jennifer, participated in the craft fair, or watched the Fougère family prepare tamarind under the supervision of the matriarch, their mother Geneva.

An evening of traditional music was presented by Weldon and Josée Boudreau with Georges Hébert at Seawind Landing. Our young star, Kyle Delorey, also provided us with beautiful melodies, bringing an unforgettable evening full circle. Well received and appreciated, the organizers decided to make it an annual event as a way to have fun in the heart of winter.