There may not be a lot of snow around these days but that doesn’t mean there won’t be a lot of fun to be had at the 2017 Winter Carnival this weekend.
Numerous new events have been added that don’t require snow. Snow is also being brought in to assure there will be a place for families to enjoy sledding.
New events include tug-o-war, horseshoes, hockey net shootout, snowball throwing, and a hay bale maze.
“There will be lots of prizes,” says event chair Darrick Boyes.
The city’s third annual Winter Carnival takes place in Boitanio Park and at the Cariboo Memorial Complex Saturday, Jan. 28 and Sunday, Jan. 29 from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.
At least two horse drawn wagons will be on site touring happy riders around the park this year to reduce the lineups experienced last year, Boyes says.
Face painting, karaoke, small animal petting zoo, chainsaw carving demonstrations with Spirit Carver Dean Ross, First Nations activities, a free maple syrup candy booth, and the chilli cook-off are all returning.
Jesaja Class will deliver his engaging magic show at 1:30 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.
A tent will be set up for the entertainment events which will also include karaoke, and Kiddie Corral Playpen activities.
Public skating, with free skate rental will take place both Saturday and Sunday from 1:30 to 3 p.m. in the Cariboo Memorial Complex.
The chilli cook-off will be back with the amateur home cooked chilli contest taking place on Saturday and the professional restaurant cook-off taking place on Sunday.
Cariboo Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett and Mayor Walt Cobb will be among the chilli contest judges and will also be cutting the ribbon to open the carnival at 10:15 a.m. on Saturday.
There will be bonfires to warm cold bodies and hands and several food vendors on site.
Food is the only thing participants will need to purchase.
The Lions Club breakfast runs from 9 to 10:30 a.m. both days. Crepes, chilli, hot dogs and hamburgers, and pulled pork are among the other food offerings, Boyes says.
He notes the Winter Carnival is completely run by volunteers with the support of local businesses.
“The best way to reward the volunteers and businesses for their time and resources is to come out and enjoy the carnival,” Boyes says.
People who would like to volunteer with the carnival can contact him at 250-305-8119.