New leader for Winter Carnival, Covid challenges expected

Jun 24, 2020 | 1:37 PM

The Vernon Winter Carnival organizing society has a new board of directors and a new leader.

Deb White has stepped down after five years as chairperson and a director for 10 years.

Taking her place is Erik Olesen who has been the chair of the local Alzheimer’s Walk for three years and youth accessibility leader for two years with the federal government’s enabling accessibility fund initiative bringing dollars to the community and region to build a more accessible future for youth. He is also a volunteer for the Sunshine Festival and other community-driven initiatives.

“I am pleased that I have been selected as the 28th chair of the Vernon Winter Carnival Society at the age of 28,” Olesen said. “I know that I have a huge responsibility moving forward as well as big shoes to fill as we say goodbye to the outgoing chair Deb White after years of dedication to the society and community through Carnival.

A socially-distanced Winter Carnival board of directors: (L-R): Kirbey Lockhart, Ruth Hoyte, Brian Langner, Amanda Wilms, Paul Cousins, Erik Olesen, Shelley Ward, Caroline Radics, Rod Koenig, Laurell Cornell, Peter Kaz, Justine McPherson, Vicki Proulx, Leah Martel, Josh Winquist (missing Boris Ivanoff) (Wayne Emde photo)

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Olesen said he is excited to get planning with the new and returning board members.

“We will face challenges moving forward and are unsure at this time how the COVID-19 pandemic will affect Wild West Carnival 2021. The resilient community of Vernon with the dedication of our directors, executive director, volunteers, sponsors and all who make carnival what it has been over the last 60 years will continue to move forward. I look forward to working with our team of directors to bring new ideas forward, continue to provide a wonderful carnival experience for locals and visitors, and most importantly, look to bring carnival into a new era.”

The board is encouraging the community to come forward with suggestions for events, or to volunteer.

Visit vernonwintercarnival.com for more information on events, sponsorship and volunteer opportunities.

The 2020/2021 board of directors:

Chair – Erik Olesen
Vice Chair – Laurell Cornell
Treasurer – Brian Langner
Secretary – Ruth Hoyte
New Directors: Amanda Wilms, Boris Ivanoff, Josh Winquist, Justine McPherson, Leah Martel, Peter Kaz Returning Directors: Caroline Radics, Kirbey Lockhart, Paul Cousins, Rod Koenig, Shelley Ward

The society is also extending its gratitude to the outgoing directors for their service and contributions including: