Vernon Winter Carnival honours Lynella Henke

The Vernon Winter Carnival has posthumously honored Lynella Henke with its highest accolade, the Order of Jopo, recognizing her and her family's longstanding dedication to the community and the annual festival.

According to the official Vernon Winter Carnival 2025 booklet guide, the award was presented in memory of Henke, who passed away in November 2024 after battling cancer.

The tribute highlights her as an "incredible community supporter" and a staple sponsor of the Vernon Winter Carnival for many years.

Through their family business, Vernon Teach and Learn, the Henkes hosted events such as Lego building parties, donated prizes, and more recently sponsored the School Poster Contest, which encourages young students across Vernon to showcase their community spirit and creativity.

The booklet notes that despite the devastating loss felt throughout the community, including the knowledge that Lynella would not be present for this year's carnival, the family ensured the school poster contest continued as usual. Multiple classes from nearly every school in the district entered, described as "simply amazing."

"The Order of Jopo is the highest honour that the Vernon Winter Carnival can bestow," the program states. It praises the Henke family's generosity, motivation to foster community spirit, and unwavering dedication to both the carnival and Vernon as a whole.

Congratulations are extended to Lynella Henke and the Henke Family of Vernon Teach and Learn for their leadership and contributions.

The recognition underscores the enduring impact of local supporters in keeping the festival's traditions alive.

Jopo is the beloved mascot of the Vernon Winter Carnival, a cheerful jester character who symbolizes the happy, playful spirit of the festival. First introduced in 1965 (designed by Mrs. John Maynard, with the first performers being Bill and Lorraine Allum), the unnamed jester initially appeared without a title until a public naming contest won by 12-year-old Tina Wunderli resulted in "Jopo." Often accompanied by a female counterpart named Jopette (introduced later), Jopo (portrayed by volunteers in costume) represents the carnival year-round at events, embodying joy and community fun. The prestigious Order of Jopo award is named in his honor.

Vernon Winter Carnival honours Lynella Henke