A celebration of 65 years is sending Vernon Winter Carnival Back to the '80s.
The new theme of the Feb. 7 to 16, 2025 annual event takes a tag line from one of the many iconic movies of the 1980s.
And with it comes a familiar face directing the fun and looking forward to seeing the full scope of the '80s come to life through events, and participants alike.
Lisa Fenyedi has been working with Carnival for a few years and is now the new executive director.
The Carnival Society also welcomes the new board: chair Laurell Cornell, vice chair Leah Martel, treasurer Boris Ivanoff, secretary Jason Keis, directors Ben Drodge, Corinne van de Crommenacker, Kara Mason, Ryan McGiverin, Vicki Proulx, Camille McCluskey, Colin Hamilton, Josh Welter, Peter Kaz, Rod Koenig and Roel van de Crommenacker.
“I’m really excited for this new board. It’s a great mix of experience and new ideas,” said Fenyedi. “Going into our 65th Vernon Winter Carnival, striking that balance between creativity and tradition is so important and I am confident that this is the team to make our 65th year one to remember.”
With music icons like Madonna, Bruce Springsteen’s Born in the USA era, and Whitney Houston, to the ever beloved '80s hair bands Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, and Def Leopard, Tom Petty, AC/DC, Wham!, and R.E.M., music was an ever eclectic soundtrack in the '80s.
The '80s also brought us some unforgettable box office hits like E.T., Indiana Jones, Star Wars, Die Hard, Top Gun, The Princess Bride, and Back to the Future.
And some memorable TV shows including, The Golden Girls, Three’s Company, The A Team, Full House, WKRP in Cincinatti, Miami Vice, MacGyver, The Dukes of Hazard, and cartoons such as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Jem, Transformers, The Smurfs, Care Bears and the Simpsons.
From distinct fashion choices; leg warmers, acid washed jeans, shoulder pads, and big '80s hair, to new gadgets including the walkman, all things neon, Rubik’s Cube, and swatches, the '80s is an era that really needs to be celebrated.
There are so many opportunities to host fun events, dress up and participate in events, and opportunities to rock your parade float or the best decorated competition with this theme!
“We look forward to another amazing year celebrating going Back to the '80s,” said Cornell.