Frozen lake or no frozen lake, one of Ontario’s best events is getting ready to take place and families are expected to be out in droves as usual.
February 4 and 5 is the weekend when all the festivities will take place for the event that has been happening for over 25 years and is consistently voted as one of Ontario’s top 100 events of the year by Festivals and Events Ontario.
City of Barrie Community Events Coordinator Arin Donnelly is thankful that Barrie’s seasonal showcase is recognized by the provincial organization that connects and oversees the top Ontario events.
“We are so excited,” said Donnelly. “In a province where there are thousands of events each year, it is an honour for Barrie Winterfest to be recognized by the FEO and to be included alongside some other amazing events.”
Approximately 25,000 people descend on to Heritage Park and the downtown area for the big weekend which makes for a great atmosphere as kids enjoy the many activities the festival has. The weekend will include horse-drawn wagon rides, a bonfire warming zone, the ever-popular ice maze, mini-golf, curling, Snow Valley’s mini tube slide and the popular Body-Zorbs pit.
While most of the weekend is set, Donnelly advises folks to check Winterfest webpage for any additions to the fun. “Check out the website for sure for a complete list,” said Donnelly. “We sometimes add things and firm up a few more cool plans. The site, though, is the most up-to-date spot for the public to find everything they need to know to plan their Winterfest weekend.”
One Winterfest staple that is in jeopardy this year is the use of Kempenfelt Bay. With the visible changes to the winter weather, concern that the lake won’t be frozen in time to walk on and have fun on is something that Donnelly and the City of Barrie are aware of but not overly concerned about.
“Last year was one of only a couple years that we haven’t been able to have activities on the lake,” said Donnelly. “Other than a couple of activities that it may impact, such as dog sled rides, the majority of the events go ahead no matter the weather – rain, snow or sun.”
The hard work starts Tuesday, Jan. 31 and Wednesday, Feb. 1 as the ice sculptors arrive to prepare the maze and sculptures.
Every Winterfest has a theme and the 2017 edition was the obvious choice of Canada 150.
Check the Winterfest webpage to plan your visit as far as events, parking and road closures.
The most important piece of advice for planning from Donnelly?
“Dress warm!”
