Winterfest coming soon

By Rob Vogt

Claresholm’s annual Winterfest will have a new location and start time this year.
The annual celebration will move to the Claresholm Curling Club and the empty field north of it on Saturday, Feb. 22, with activities starting at 4 p.m.
Organizer Megan McClung, the town’s engagement coordinator, explained Winterfest needed a new venue because the Claresholm Community Centre is undergoing renovations.
“The curling club has really stepped up,” she said.
New to Winterfest this year is a chance to do some curling. Lessons will be offered; the sliders to put on shoes and brooms will be provided; and there will be time to play a few ends of curling.
The curling is offered in free 30-minute slots for groups of up to five, but people are required to pre-register.
They can do so by visiting engagement@claresholm.ca (no dashes or spaces) or by contacting the Claresholm town office at 403-625-3381.
Another new feature is an outdoor skating rink, so McClung invites everyone to bring their skates too.
The ATCO stage is back, situated right beside the outdoor rink, with the group the Earl Morgan Band playing from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
After that “Claresholm’s Winter Wonders Showcase” will take the stage. It will go on for about an hour, and is being coordinated by Stavely’s Unique Character House, or SUCH Drama group. McClung stressed “Claresholm’s Winter Wonders Showcase” is not just for singing and dancing.
“We love all different kinds of talent,” she said.
Anyone interested in registering can message SUCH Drama at the Facebook page “SUCH Drama” or text Annalisa Harrison at 1-403-397-7945.
Also new this year is a fire-turning show by the group “Exothermic” at 5:45 p.m. taking place on the ground on the north side of the field as the sun goes down. It will feature fire turning and dancing by performers from Calgary, Edmonton and Claresholm.
People can then sit and watch the fireworks which will be shot from the town’s composting area.
“It’s exciting,” McClung said. “Right there, at the end of the event.”
With low temperatures set to continue, there will be a snow pile, for families to sled and toboggan down.
This year the hay pit will be replaced by a hay tower.
“Kids can just play on the hay,” McClung said, adding people can sit on the bales and watch the fireworks too.
There will be a vendors mini-market upstairs of the curling club; and free face painting and glitter tattoos.
People are urged to bring cash as Welcoming Claresholm will have hot chocolate and hot dogs available as well.
The Claresholm and District Chamber of Commerce is hosting a beer gardens, but will feature hot drinks. It will be open during fireworks for people to sit and enjoy.
The Claresholm Fire Department will have fire pits and heaters set up as well.
“For people to warm up by,” McClung said.
Beef on a bun will be available in the curling club, and the Claresholm branch of the Royal Canadian Legion will have its Saturday meat draw too.
After the fireworks, families can enjoy the movie “Snow Dogs”, for $2 per person and children under two getting in free. There will be a concession as well.
There is also a silent auction this year, featuring items such as a free training session at a local gym, snow shoes, car detailing and more. All proceeds will go to offset the cost of Claresholm Fair Days the second weekend in August.
McClung invites everyone to come out.
“Winterfest’s completely unique,” she said. “It feels warm – it brings the community together.
“To celebrate Claresholm and how awesome it is.”
“Don’t let the cold stop you,” she added. “Come out and enjoy the local talent, the local food, and so much more.”