News Highlights

August 19th, 2008 – Brand New Video Previews!

Can’t wait to come out and see Carnivàle Lune Bleue for yourself? Here are some new videos to tide you over.

Along with the videos placed throughout our website, we’ve also added a page with links to the Carnivàle Lune Bleue features from Daytime on Rogers TV. Check it out now!

We’ve also got a brand new video featuring Cirque Maroc you can see right now! This video is also on our 3-World Class Shows page, where you’ll find more videos of the other amazing shows only available at Carnivàle Lune Bleue!

August 11th, 2008 -  What Happens When a Luxury Lifestyle Magazine Stumbles Upon a 1930s Carnival? Magic…

Dazzling acrobats and an evil sideshow ringmaster shared centre stage with seven models and a high fashion photographer at Carnivàle Lune Bleue this weekend.  A photographic narrative featuring the magical world of the 1930s style carnival was captured in a breathtaking photo shoot on the Kars Fairgrounds by the creative team from Ottawa’s Preston Catalogue. The 10-page photo spread will appear in the signature lifestyle magazine’s holiday issue, coming this October.

“The 1930s was a very significant time period for art and design and Carnivàle Lune Bleue captures it beautifully,” says the magazine’s publisher, Cu Van Ha. “Preston Catalogue endeavors to promote creativity and partnering with this unique event is the perfect way to celebrate our 10th edition.”

Featuring evocative art and rich photography, Preston Catalogue is a beautiful showcase of the most unique and exciting works from around the world.

“It is a pleasure to open the gates of Carnivàle Lune Bleue to a locally-produced publication such as Preston Catalogue,” says Wayne Van De Graaff, executive producer of Carnivàle Lune Bleue. “It is very important to me to support Ottawa’s artistic community in any way I can.”

Preston’s photographer took pictures of Carnivàle Lune Bleue’s performers, as well as its authentic carny rides, canvas tents and carnival banners. The team at Preston captured every aspect of Carnivàle Lune Bleue – from the Ten-In-One show’s tattooed strongman to the dazzling and dramatic acrobats of Cirque Maroc.

Take a behind-the-scenes look at the photoshoot in this new video:

August 7th, 2008 – Carnivàle Lune Bleue Gets a Glowing Review from the Ottawa Citizen!

“Two little boys sat open-mouthed in the front row, as caught up as the rest of us in the drama…”

In the Arts section of today’s Ottawa Citizen, Patrick Langston details the spectacular 1930s carnival experience that you’ll only find at Carnivàle Lune Bleue.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL REVIEW!

July 23rd, 2008 – Daytime on Roger’s TV Showcases Carnivàle Lune Bleue’s Amazing Gourmet Cookhouse!

Click the image below for a delectable taste of what you’ll find at Carnivàle Lune Bleue’s Gourmet Cookhouse!

Shannon Robinson, the Head Chef behind Carnivàle Lune Bleue’s Cookhouse, and the wonderful hosts of Daytime on Roger’s TV prepared 1930s themed Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Cherry Relish served with Sweet Corn Succotash, and Bourbon-Walnut Sweet Potato Mash – just one of the savoury meals that is available at Carnivàle Lune Bleue’s Gourmet Cookhouse.

July 21st, 2008 – The Cirque Maroc Performers Have Arrived in Ottawa!

The talented acrobatic artists of the dazzling Cirque Maroc are now in Ottawa, and they’re already busy rehearsing their amazing act under Carnivàle Lune Bleue’s Big Top circus tent.

These skilled performers have trained for years and worked with some of the most famous circus shows in the world, leading up to the creation of this never-to-be-forgotten performance that will leave its spectators breathless.

The show will feature two incredible families of Cirque du Soleil and Ringling Brothers-trained performers in a breathtaking seventy-minute showcase of acrobatics, drama, music and dance. There’ll be clowns, dance-trapeze, hoola hoop contortions, chair-stacking, and tonnes more.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see Cirque Maroc in action. Visit capitaltickets.ca to get your tickets now! Your Carny Pass awards you reserved seating to Cirque Maroc’s amazing performance, as well as access Carnivale Lune Bleue’s other spectacular shows and its authentic 1930s carny midway and museum. Upgrade to a Carny Ringside Pass for the best seats in the Big Top! Discounted group rates are available!

July 10th, 2008 – Gourmet Cookhouse Offers 1930s Inspired Cuisine!

Carnivàle Lune Bleue will offer authentically-themed fine dining at its gourmet Cookhouse! You’ll have three courses to indulge in as well as a fine selection of beverages. A themed children’s menu is also available.

The Cookhouse will offer you gourmet, yet affordable dining, to create an authentically themed dining experience. If you want to dine while your explore our midway, the Carny Kitchen will offer tasty alternatives to the sit-down Cookhouse.

Click here to read more about the authentic carny cuisine available at Carnivàle Lune Bleue’s Cookhouse. Reserve your table by emailing dining@carnivalelunebleue.com. Group package options are available – our superb on-site catering team is ready to help customize and enhance your once-in-a-lifetime experience at Carnivàle Lune Bleue. 

July 3rd, 2008 - Carnivàle Lune Bleue “Gives Back” to Ottawa Charity

All proceeds from Carnivàle Lune Bleue’s Wheel of Fortune carny game will be donated to the Sisters Charity of Ottawa, the beneficiary selected for this years event

The Sisters Charity of Ottawa provides complex continuing care, palliative care, care of the elderly, long-term care and family medicine at a number of hospitals and medical facilities around the city. The Sisters are dedicated to the provision of continuing care to adults affected by loss of autonomy or by chronic or terminal illness, as well as education, research, and responsiveness to the community.

The Wheel of Fortune game will be located alongside a number of other authentic carny games on Carnivàle Lune Bleue’s 1930s midway. You can take your spin and try your luck, all in the hopes of winning a great carny prize – but you’ll also know that, win or lose, your money is going to a wonderful local cause.

Carnivàle Lune Bleue, with its Wheel of Fortune game and authentic 1930s midway, will be in Ottawa between August 1 and September 6. Tickets are now available at capitaltickets.ca. And don’t forget to check out www.carnivalelunebleue.com for more info about this truly one-of-a-kind event!

June 30th – Local Entrepreneur Revives 1930s Carnival in Ottawa

Bright-coloured canvas tents and hand-painted carny banners. Acrobats, magicians, and fire-eaters. Clairvoyants and freakshows. These are just some of the images that pop into Kars resident Wayne Van De Graaff’s mind when he thinks back to his childhood experiences at the carnival.

“It was just a completely different world,” Van De Graaff says, reminiscing.

For the past year, Van De Graaff has dedicated himself to bringing back the magical carny world of his youth, and giving others the chance to experience a piece of what is now a bygone era, just as he once did. But bringing back 1930s-style carnival is no easy task. One day Van De Graaff is hopping on a plane to source an authentic 1938 Allan Herschell carousel, and the next minute he’s interviewing performers capable of fire-eating. And his work isn’t over yet. There’s still a lot to be done before Carnivàle Lune Bleue makes it’s North American debut this August 1 at the Kars Fairgrounds. 

With the performers and local crew already sourced, Van De Graaff still has to oversee their training. From the sword swallowers in the Ten-In-One show to the staff handling the Skills and Thrills games on the carny midway, everyone involved with Carnivàle Lune Bleue will always be in their 1930s carny persona, so that guests get the most authentic experience possible.

Carnivàle Lune Bleue will offer up an absolutely dazzling acrobatic performance by Cirque Maroc, a bizarre and in-your-face Ten-In-One show featuring the award-winning Carnival Diablo, and the chilling and interactive Great Snakes of the World Show. Whether the performers are busy lifting weights with their pierced tongue or working with their man-eating snakes, everyone is utterly absorbed in the upcoming debut of Carnivàle Lune Bleue.

“There’s still a lot to do,” says Van De Graaff, clearly wrapped up in the flurry of activity going on around him. “But it’s also a been an amazing journey, and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.”

Of course, that doesn’t mean Van De Graaff isn’t more anxious than anyone for the carnival’s upcoming debut. “You can bet I’ll be first in line to step back through those magical gates,” he says, laughing.

You’ll find Carnivàle Lune Bleue at the Kars Fairgrounds – near the historic village of Manotick, and just a twenty-minute drive from downtown Ottawa, ON. The gates are open from 6pm to midnight, Tuesdays through Saturdays, August 1st to September 6th.

June 3, 2008 – WE WANT YOU! Carnivàle Lune Bleue Launches Talent Search!

Have you ever imagined yourself a part of something incredibly unique? Well, now is your big chance! Carnivàle Lune Bleue has launched its official casting call in Ottawa. We want to hear from talented, motivated and passionate individuals who are ready to join the Carnivàle entertainment cast and general staff for a once-in-a-lifetime summer experience.

Carnivàle doesn’t just offer you a job. You’ll be immersed into the 1930s carnival world in every aspect. You’ll also be a vital component in helping to present the most exciting new entertainment extravaganza to ever come to Ottawa!

Keep checking our careers section for upcoming positions or send your resume to our Event Manager at kelly@carnivalelunebleue.com.

June 2, 2008 – Carnivàle’s Clairvoyant Caravan - a Mystical Addition to Dickinson Day

Join in the fun at Manotick’s annual Dickinson Day Festivities and see Carnivàle’s Clairvoyant Caravan in the parade! Head to Manotick’s Main Street on Friday June 6 at 6.30pm to see our fabulous 1936 vintage bus and the Carnivàle Lune Bleue ticket-taker as they feature in the parade.

June 2, 2008 – Carnivàle Lune Bleue to Display Original Ferris Wheel Engine at Cumberland Museum

Carnivàle Lune’s Bleue’s 1917 Eli Bridge No.5 Ferris Wheel engine (International U-4 Power Unit) will be on exhibit at the Cumberland Heritage Village Museum. This power unit was the brawn behind Carnivàle Lune Bleue’s 1917 Eli Bridge No. 5 Ferris Wheel, the oldest ground-mounted wheel in North America, for nearly 90 years.

May 30, 2008 – Carnivàle Lune Bleue Featured at Ottawa’s Countryside Rural Showcase

Guests at Ottawa’s Countryside Rural Showcase were delighted with the antics of the Carnivàle Lune Bleue ticket-taker as he charmed the crowds with his carny calls throughout the day!

Carnivàle was a highlight of the Rural Showcase, held at City Hall, which aims to provide an overview of all of the ‘must see and do’ events in the local area.

May 19, 2008 – Carnivàle’s 1938 Vintage Carousel an Overwhelming Success! Thousands Take a Carousel Ride at Ottawa’s Tulip Fest

Ottawa’s Tulip Festival patrons came in droves to experience Carnivàle Lune Bleue’s rare attraction - one of the world’s last surviving 1930s carousels. Thousands of people flocked to the 1938 Alan Herschell three-abreast wooden carousel and riders were thrilled when they were welcomed by Carnivàle’s colourful ticket-taker, who posed for photographs in his vintage dress and invited the crowds to ‘Come One, Come All and Experience the Wonders of the World’. The carousel’s overwhelming success this year has paved the way for Carnivàle Lune Bleue to feature the ride at Ottawa’s Tulip Festival in 2009, where guests can once again experience the unique and authentic carousel.

Did You Know?
The History of the Carousel

In the 16th century the most popular game in France required a rider to gallop at full speed and spear a golden ring with his lance. This game was called “Carousel.” Knights would practice on wooden horses that were supported by a central pole and moved up and down to simulate a real ride.

Over time, wood carvers began to create ever more beautiful and intricately carved horses for this contraption. They fashioned small carousels that were actually made to turn by real horses tethered to the carousel.

Carousels arrived at Coney Island, New York, in 1876. By then they were steam powered. Carvers began to arrive in the United States from Germany, Denmark, Russia and Italy. They created dramatically leaping horses with cascading golden manes and jeweled trappings.

By the very late 1800s, carousels were powered by electricity and were popular everywhere in the country. But, with the advent of World War II they fell into decline. The carvers, operators and the materials used for making carousels were needed for the war effort.

As a result, there are very few carousels left. In 2008 a genuine carousel is like a rare treasure, hard to find and precious.

Our Allan Herschell three-abreast wooden carousel, featuring 30 jumping horses and two chariots, is one of the last of its kind in the world. Constructed in 1938, it celebrates its seventieth birthday this year and is one of the primary ride attractions at Carnivàle Lune Bleue. Don’t miss your chance to experience a piece of carnival history!

May 16, 2008 – Carnivàle Preparations Heat Up!

Wayne Van De Graaff and his staff have been hard at work making those last minute preparations to bring the 1938 Alan Herschell three-abreast wooden carousel to this year’s Ottawa Tulip Festival, as well as making sure that, come August 1, Carnivàle Lune Bleue is brought to life.

Every element of Carnivàle Lune Bleue will be authentically 1930s, from the canvas tents and hand-painted banners, right down to the horrifying Ten-In-One props and the stunning 1938 vintage carousel. Piece by piece, the carnival is being crafted, with the aide of world renowned carnival experts, to ensure that guests are treated to a world class first-of-its-kind experience.

May 1, 2008 - Carnivàle Lune Bleue’s Vintage Carousel a Highlight of Tulip Festival

Ottawa will get a taste of the stunning attractions Carnivàle Lune Bleue has to offer when it showcases its magnificent vintage carousel at Major’s Hill Park, as part of this year’s Tulip Festival.

The 1938 Allan Herschell three-abreast wooden carousel will be a highlight for festival goers, who will have the opportunity to ride the rare carousel from May 2 – 19.

The carousel is certainly just a glimpse into the marvels, magic and mystery of Carnivàle Lune Bleue, coming to Ottawa on August 1.

April 21, 2008 - Carnivàle Lune Bleue Launched as Star of the City

The Carnivàle Lune Bleue vision has been officially launched at Ottawa Tourism’s ‘Stars of the City’ gala event. Tourism industry experts were impressed by the originality and scope of the unique event, predicting a massive turnout come August 1, when the carnival comes to town.

Guests of Ottawa Tourism loved meeting the Carnivàle Lune Bleue ‘poster boy,’ the colourful and vivacious ticket-taker, who personally greeted the tourism professionals and outlined the spectacular attractions Carnivàle guests can expect.