When the January blues strikes and winter seems to be stretching endlessly before you, bundle the kids up and join the fun at West Fraser Timber Park for the fifth annual Quesnel Winter Carnival, Feb. 2, 1 – 5 p.m.
It’s a great way to enjoy the beautiful North Cariboo winter with loads of activities, demonstrations and even some traditional outdoor food like bannock, s’mores and a cup of hot chocolate, courtesy of the Save-On Foods team.
This year, the carnival is going green and the public is being asked to bring their favourite travel mug. The site will be styrofoam-free and if you don’t have your own mug, there’s a 25-cent eco-fee for one of the paper cups made from recycled material.
“With everyone enjoying the park on foot, emissions are also kept to a minimum,” Carnival organizer Susan MacNeill said.
“Public parking is limited to the lot directly opposite the entrance gate which leads to the start of the country walk. The disabled and volunteer staff may park adjacent to the lawn bowling area. This will be monitored by volunteers.”
This year, there are eight primary activities including snowshoeing, skating on the pond, sledding, snow golf, cross country skiing, a country walk, new this year, find the avalanche beacon buried in the snow and of course, the great Canadian game of hockey.
If you participate in at least four of these activities, your name is entered into a draw for multiple prizes.
Children will want to sign up for one of the 45-minute sessions in the lawn bowling clubhouse, where they will do a variety of activities such as carnival masks, face painting and crazy toques. Be sure to sign up early to avoid disappointment.
Also new in the park this year is the fun photo-board with four winter animals, face sections cut out, allowing young and old to poke their head in the open space and capture the moment with a camera.
The country walk is a safe, reliable walkway which encourages everyone to take a stroll and enjoy the outdoors. The pathway leads from the parking lot, right into the park when all the activities take place.
With the Nature Education and Resource Centre right on site, activities will also be taking place there, hosted by Baker Creek Enhancement Society.
William Bolton, who created the fabulous winter carnival sign which greets visits to the park, will be on hand to demonstrate his snow sculpting.
The Lions Club will have their Child Find Identity registration set up.
In addition to the free bannock, s’mores and hot chocolate, there will be on-site food for purchase.
“We asked everyone to come prepared, the event goes ahead regardless of the weather, with warm clothing, appropriate footwear, hats, scarves, mitts and a willingness to have a whole lot of fun.
There will be fireworks at dusk to finish off a great day.
“With this, the fifth Winter Carnival, we’re looking to increase attendance to more than 2,000 people passing through the park,” MacNeill said.
“Bring your family, your friends and your camera.”
For information visit the Facebook page quesnelwintercarnival where the public is encouraged to upload photos and feedback.
“We welcome your comments and suggestions to help create the best winter carnival ever,” MacNeill said.
“See you at the park.”
Quesnel Winter Carnival is an initiative with B.C. Families and Active Living designed to promote outside winter enjoyment.
This event is made possible through the generous support of community sponsors.