Newfoundlanders and those that wish they were Newfoundlanders came out to enjoy a traditional kitchen party hosted by Chestermere Walks on Sunday, January 19th at the Rec Centre.
Over 50 people enjoyed the East Coast Cuisine as well as traditional music during the Newfie Kitchen Party Potluck. The Kitchen Party provided the opportunity to experience and enjoy some Newfoundland and Maritime culture.
The celebration was hosted by Chestermere Walks who had recently organized a virtual walk around Newfoundland as a part of their program designed to get people walking.
According to Vicki Klinger; Recreational Coordinator at CRCA, the Kitchen Party has been a long standing tradition for the people of Newfoundland and the Maritimes. For many years, they have been enjoying the company of friends and family, delicious food and great music in this manner. It is a coming together of the community of friends and relatives in an informal and therefore personal manner.
“There was a great variety of food with some traditional Newfoundland dishes. The Newfie ‘Snowballs’, a dessert cookie like a rum ball, were especially popular and brought back childhood memories for some”, said Vicki Klinger, Recreational Coordinator for the CRCA.
Randy Dyke, a performer from Newfoundland who lives in Calgary, brought out his accordion and entertained the crowd with some traditional Newfie music. Local musician Candie Schmidt also put together a playlist of Newfie songs for everyone to enjoy, so there was lots of music to keep the Newfie spirit alive.
“Michael Newton made some Ugly Sticks and also brought all the supplies so everyone could make their own. This was very popular, especially with all the kids and there were some very creative Ugly Sticks made”, says Klinger.
One Chestermere resident Nadine Meade, brought her sons along with their grandfather who is originally from Newfoundland. “My boys loved creating their own Newfie ugly sticks and making music with them and my dad loved having the chance to share a part of his culture with his Alberta raised grandsons, it was great and I really hope this is an annual event! We had a wonderful evening.”
Chestermere Walks is a community walking program that uses walking as a mechanism to engage residents and diverse cultures in ‘building a healthy community one step at a time’.
For more information on Chestermere Walks visit their website at www.chestermeremerewalks.ca
