Bittersweet From All Sides!!

Winnipeg sure knows how to put on a Grey Cup Festival. Congrats to the Friendly Province and to the Friendly Capital. Even though I spent more time enjoying non-Festival events, those that I did take in were well organized and very fan friendly. Even scheduled things so that we all could take in the Santa Claus Parade.

First evening was really only a meal at the Oak & Grain Lounge at a nearby Hilton. But the bar manager was super friendly and made sure our meal and our drinks were top drawer. Saturday started with a good brekkie at the Hampton and then off to the Museum of Human Rights. Any description I could give would be insufficient. Suffice it to say – if you are ever near Winnipeg, plan a day (other than Monday) to go visit. It is remarkable and at times overwhelming. Izzy Asper’s legacy lives on in the most special ways. And as one reads all the various sponsors and benefactors, a side bar is this: if it were not for the Jewish community in Canada, the Arts would be in a sorry state –> so sorry to all who feel Jews are the problem, you should actually thank them for the fact that we have a more hospitable and artistic world to live in…

After a visit that took up most of the day, we then went out to find a beautiful place to dine: CIBO is the answer to anyone’s search. Situated in an old city water system pump house the views are delightful and the decor is relaxing yet also stunning. And the food & drinks & service makes the entire meal more than simply a delight. If/when I ever return to Winnipeg, this is one place I will return to… special!!

Afterwards we managed to get back to Portage & Main in time to see Santa on a side street awaiting his opportunity to ride through the throngs. Then we were able to find a spot on the corner which allowed us to view almost the entire parade, until we decided it would be more productive to walk down the street where the floats were lining up. That was actually more interesting as you could see all the excitement in the children on those floats with kids on them and the ennui on the floats where there were no kids and everyone just wanted to get started!! Then we decided to get an Uber ride so walked to the Fort Garry Hotel and that was fortuitous. As we arrived, and as our Uber tried to reach us, a motorcade with all sorts of flashing lights rolled up. After a million security officials jumped out, guess who emerged: our dear friend Mark (PM). He even turned, saw my BC Lions hoodie and asked me if I had gotten over my heartache. A nice gesture – he must have been informed my great uncle (Will Sinclair) was a staunt Liberal and personal friend of Mackenzie King (both Presbyterians, for whatever that’s worth).

Sunday was straightforward. Up and after another good brekkie (the Hampton had real porridge) we were off to First Presbyterian. An interesting service, a great pipe organ, and a sermon I am still trying to unpack… but the minister is a football fan (& season tix holder for the Blue Bombers) so not all bad!!

Then the Festival provided a free bus ride to the Stadium – a super nice gesture. The bus itself was one attached to the local school system but was filled with the mosaic of fans that the Grey Cup always brings together. The journey to the game was filled with laughter, comments, jokes, reminders of past failures & successes. It was almost worth it in itself. The game was a good one. Our seats were on a level with the fly past of the Air Force jets and when one stood up, the first thought –> don’t fall forward. It would not be a fun journey down to the field. While ST cheers for the Alouettes and they came up a fumble short, everyone I have talked to (including ST) is extremely happy for Harris the QB for the Riders. Just to see him after the game was special… It helped give everyone a better understanding of how the Grey Cup is the one unifying moment in our country which seems filled with so much division and turmoil & uncertainty. Everyone should attend at least one in their life time…

Afterwards the bus got us back to the hotel in time to walk over to the next hotel and stop in at Chicago Joe’s and get a huge meal to share and then watch as the entire place filled up with Grey Cup attendees – all sharing their happiness (& disappointments). It was a great way to end the day. Thanks to CJ’s for staying open and keeping the kitchen going long after they would normally…

And now I sit at YWG awaiting a check-in… and I am happy I came… as I will again next year in Calgary…

In joyous remembering,
g.w.