CHESTERMERE – With the beginning of the New Year comes anticipation for the Town’s annual Winterfest. This year’s Winterfest will take place on Saturday, January 19 and is designed to be a family oriented celebration of winter activities.
“Winterfest is about being able to come outside and enjoy the winter season as a family,” said Nancie Huneault, Events Coordinator with the Town of Chestermere. “Whether you come for the free breakfast, to make crafts, to support the hockey game or to watch the fireworks, Winterfest offers something for everyone.”
Many of the events planned for this year’s Winterfest will be familiar to residents who participated in last year’s festivities. Outdoor activities in the Arctic Village include an ice carving demonstration, sleigh rides, food concessions and the Polar Bear Dip. YELL (Youth Encouraging Lasting Leadership) is organizing the Dip to raise money for anti-bullying campaigns in Chestermere and invites everyone to come watch participants take the plunge at noon.
“We are also excited to offer the Kids & K9 Dash that will allow all members of the family, including the canine members, to participate in some winter fun together” said Huneault. The Dash allows children to race against each other while being pulled in a sled by the family dog. Families with children under 4 can alternatively register for the “Daddy Dash” where dads will be the ones pulling the kids.
For families who would rather enjoy winter from inside, there are a wide variety of activities in the Frost Free Zone at the Recreation Centre. In addition to crafts, a balloon artist, face painting, a super slide and slap shot hockey, there will also be family entertainment and a Charity Hockey Game.
The day will end with the children’s lantern walk, a bonfire, hot chocolate and fireworks.
Huneault is excited to invite all residents to come, saying “Whether you come every year or this is your first time, we are sure that your family will enjoy experiencing all the fun of winter in Chestermere at the 2013 Winterfest.”
This year’s festival takes place January 19, 2013. Information and a schedule of events are available at www.chestermere.ca/winterfest.
