Back in the days when British colonial governors ruled, one of the main beverages at the traditional New Year’s Day LevĂ©e was moose milk, a boisterous concoction of whiskey or rum mixed with goat’s milk and flavoured with nutmeg and cinnamon.
But when Lt.-Gov. Norman Kwong and Mary Kwong preside over their fifth New Year’s Day LevĂ©e at Government House, the fare will be slightly more sedate — hot food, eggnog and non-alcoholic punch.
The levĂ©e, once a formal reception given by a sovereign or their representative, originated in the court of King Louis XIV. In Canada’s colonies fur traders paid their respects to the master of the fort at this once all-male event.
Today men, women and children by the thousands flock to meet the lieutenant-governor in a receiving line, have a photo taken with him and tour Government House, now a designated heritage house that was once home to the first six of the British Crown’s representatives.
“He likes to have fun with people. He’s very light-hearted and often engages with people using humour, and I’d say Mrs. Kwong is the hugger,” says Janet Resta, communications officer for the lieutenant governor’s office.
In addition, visitors will also be able to write a post-card to troops in Afghanistan that will go to service personnel needing a pick-me-up. “The lieutenant-governor really enjoys exchanges with the military at numerous functions. He has a lot of respect for what they do and this is one way to show it.”
She adds that the Gentlemen’s Escort, 26 volunteer aide-de-camps, some of whom just completed tours in Afghanistan, will be in attendance.
After a quick nosh, visitors can tour Government House to see part of the Alberta government’s spectacular art collection that is rotated from year to year. Although many of the original furnishings were sold, they have since been recovered and are on display.
The free New Year’s Day social runs from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. and is located on the grounds of the Royal Alberta Museum at 12845 – 102 Ave.
