Preparations for the 69th edition of Carnaval de Québec are in full swing as the Palais de Bonhomme, one of the tallest in the event’s history, has already been constructed in place of the National Assembly.
• Also read: 69th Carnival of Quebec: Events up to the Île-d’Orléans
“We’ve found over the years that a height of about 45 feet for the central tower, like this year, is about the maximum we can build,” explains Charles André Paris, Quebec Carnival’s operations manager.
“More than 45 feet, the blocks would probably have to be craned up,” he adds.
The construction of Bonhomme’s house was again entrusted to the company Sculptures Michel Lepire, which has been linked to the carnival from father to son for thirty years.
Imposing task
A total of 2,800 blocks of ice, each weighing 200 pounds, were needed to build the imposing infrastructure. “It’s about fifteen people who will work about 15 days to build the palace,” mentions Mr. Paris.
Remember that the tradition of a palace hosting Bonhomme is as old as that of Carnival. The first of its kind was built in 1955 and was located at Place D’Youville.
Beginning Monday, workers and surveyors will focus on installing a new infrastructure, the Event Dome, a 60-by-80-foot megastructure that will take place in the backyard of the Palais de Bonhomme.
Shows including those by Matt Lang, Koriass and Ariane Moffatt will be staged on the Loto-Québec stage during the celebrations from February 3rd to 12th.
500 foot slide
Among the other sites yet to be established are Camping de Bonhomme, replacing Camp à Jos this year, and Glisse urbaine, a 500-foot tube slide at Place D’Youville.
“The construction of the scaffolding for the slide is almost complete. This week we have the opportunity to finish the structure,” said Charles André Paris proudly.
He admits that last week’s snowfall was very beneficial for the final prep blitz.
The organizers were also worried about the mild temperatures at the beginning of January.
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