Carnival comes full circle

Rhondda Oliver Biggs won the title of the first Queen Silver Star back in 1961, and now her daughter, Leah Biggs, has gotten involved with Winter Carnival to help celebrate the 60th anniversary.

Leah Biggs is a Vancouver based emerging artist who graduated with her BFA from Emily Carr University of Art and Design in 2011. With a primary focus in drawing, she was recognized as a finalist in the BMO First art invitational student art competition for her grad work, and she received honourable mention by the Arts Council of Surrey for a juried competition.

“Leah offered her artistic talent to the society to create a one of a kind piece celebrating 60 years of Vernon Winter Carnival. The fact that she is the daughter of Queen Silver Star I makes it even more special,” said Vicki Proulx, executive director of Carnival.

“To be a part of the first Winter Carnival and now have my daughter involved 60 years later is a wonderful thing. Our family is thrilled to see this festival is still a part of the Vernon community and engaging multiple generations,” said Rhondda Biggs.