by PR George Paul MMNN Contributor

The Eskasoni Winter Carnival celebrated its 50 year while the Princess pageant held its 48 year. Like every year, the winter carnival committee held a winter carnival naming contest few week before the actual winter carnival. The name usually reflects the winter conditions of the time and of course this winter we had an epic snow storm which shut down Unama’ki for almost a week. This year the winning Mi’kmaw name was Pasali’kiaq meaning high snow drifts and the person who selected the name was Michael R. Denny.

Pasali’kiaq 2024 was held on February 22-25, 2024. The winter carnival hosted events like basketball, volleyball, card games and a two day ice fishing derby.

Of course the biggest part of the winter carnival will always been the princess pageant. This year we had 16 princesses who started preparing for the pageant for over a month. The Sarah Denny Cultural Center was standing room only when the princesses went on stage for talent night and crowning night.

Family and friends where on the edge of their seats, waiting and anticipating who will be this year’s Pasali’kiaq Queen for 2024. The new generation of emcees, Maisyn and Camryn Sock took to the stage and did a great job in hosting this year Princess Pageant.

The Princess crowning night, showcased the beautiful princesses all dressed up in their pageant gowns. Here is the order of who was crowned that evening. Mi’kmaq Princess Award , Princess Sammi Sylliboy, Miss Spiri ...