Winterfest takes over community centre this Saturday

By Rob Vogt
As the temperatures drop, the snow falls and it begins to look and feel a lot more like winter, it sets the perfect stage for one thing – Winterfest.
The annual event will take over the inside and outside of the Claresholm Community Centre this Saturday, Feb. 21.
Winterfest starts at 2 p.m. with a wide variety of things to do, according to organizer Megan McClung, engagement coordinator for the Town of Claresholm.
There will be a market inside the community centre featuring more than 50 vendors, bringing a wide assortment of goods.
Each vendor is contributing something to the door prize draw.
Entry to the market is by donation and everyone will receive a free ticket to enter that door prize draw.
There is also a ball hockey tournament for all ages. Even if someone did not register in advance, they can show up with their gear, and will be put on a team.
The ATCO stage will be going all afternoon from 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. with entertainment provided by Lani Folkard, Charlie Navratil and Dusty Litchfield.
Games with Julie will be running for prizes between acts.
Elsa the Frozen Princess will be available from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. for photo opportunities.
The Claresholm and District Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a hot toddy bar; there will be a hay maze; bonfire hosted by the fire department; Welcoming Claresholm will be selling hot dogs and hot chocolate; and the Kinette Club of Claresholm will be hosting a Kin-cession and kids games inside in the lodge room of the community centre.
The kids area will also include balloon animals, face painting, and games.
New this year is a water bucket train for kids to ride for $1 each ride. All proceeds will go to Claresholm Fair Days activities the second weekend of August.
McClung said Feb. 21 is “Kindness Day”, so everyone is encouraged to wear pink to support that.
There is a prize draw to coincide with that as well.
People can visit the Town of Claresholm Facebook page leading up to Winterfest and leave a kindness note.
Those kindness notes will all be entered in the draw for four prizes on the stage on Saturday.
The activities at the community centre culminate in fireworks at 6:15 p.m.
The day winds up with an ‘80s Dance Party at the Claresholm Social Centre from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
McClung invites everyone to come out to Winterfest.
“There will be lots of fun things to bring the family out to,” she said.
“It’s so fun to get together as a family to have fun.”