The third annual Williams Lake Winter Carnival is set for Saturday, Jan. 28 and Sunday Jan. 29.
A wide variety of community businesses, service organizations and ad hoc volunteers are pulling together to sponsor and organize the carnival to give visitors a chance to experience winter activities free of charge.
But event chair Darrick Boyes says more volunteers are needed to make the event a success.
“The Winter Carnival committee hopes to host an exciting family event,” Boyes says. “We need volunteers for all events and for maintenance.”
He says people interested in volunteering can contact him at 250-305-8119 or attend one of the committee meetings which are being held every Wednesday evening at CJ’s Restaurant starting at 6:30 p.m. right up until the week of the carnival.
Except for the food vendors, all activities and equipment rentals for the activities are provided free of charge with sponsorship from various local businesses and community organizations.
The Winter Carnival activities will take place in Boitanio Park and at the Cariboo Memorial Complex.
Each morning starts with a Lions Club pancake breakfast between 9 and 10:30 a.m. Activities in the park take place between 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. each day. Skating takes place in the Cariboo Memorial Complex each day from 1:30 to 3 p.m.
The carnival this year will include the opportunity for people to try all sorts of outdoor sports including snow shoeing, cross country skiing, sledding, snowman and igloo building, and snowball throwing. Planned activities also include horse drawn wagon rides, Carver Kings demonstration, a kiddie corral, a magic show, face painting, and a mini animal exhibit.
If an event organizer can be found Boyes says there will also be First Nations story telling and other activities taking place in a teepee.
Visitors will be able to warm up around a bonfire, with a free hot beverage and sample free maple syrup candy made on site. Food booths will also be available on site.