From jambalaya to a nighttime fire show, there will be plenty to heat to help melt away the frigid winter blues this weekend as a Mardi Gras-themed winter carnival parades into Wolseley.

The carnival kicks off Fri., Feb. 1 at the Robert A. Steen Community Centre with a jambalaya dinner (made mild to taste, though there will be plenty of Louisiana hot sauce on the side) and a night of calypso, steel drums and reggae.

"People always associate Mardi Gras with high energy and fun, and that’s what this carnival is all about," said carnival co-ordinator Paula Roeder.

The carnival runs until Sun., Feb. 3, and includes several interactive demonstrations for kids, from science experiments to taiko drumming throughout the day. Visitors can also take part in demonstrations of the club’s family-style yoga classes and Wen-Do, a self-defence class geared toward women and teen girls.

The club is inviting the city to check out the carnival, which includes a hockey tournament with teams from St. Vital, West Kildonan and Sinclair Park.

"The carnival gives us an outlet to promote what we do," club GM Steven Bemrose said.

"We want to showcase ourselves to the rest of the city and promote the uniqueness of our community."

There will be two pancake breakfasts and barbecue lunches on Feb. 2 and 3. There will be carnival games in the gym, along with a bouncy castle.

On Feb. 3, the carnival will host eating contests, and visitors can see the Central Canadian Circus Arts Club perform an outdoor fire show at 12:30 p.m.

Tickets for the Friday night dinner and show are $15 for those 12 and up, and $8 for those five to 11. Admission is free to those four and under. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Dinner includes jambalaya, coleslaw, cornbread and a dessert. There will be alternatives for vegetarians and those with allergies.

The Gordon Bell Vox Choir, reggae group Kaya and Paradize Band are scheduled to perform. There will be a cash bar.

R. A. Steen is located at 980 Palmerston Ave. For more, call 204-783-5616 or visit robertasteencc.ca.

matt.preprost@canstarnews.com