Winter has a tendency to make people hibernate. In the summertime, Kimberley Wahamaa said its easy to stay in touch with neighbours and other Coniston community members, but during the cold season, its not uncommon to go months without seeing each other.
That all changes Feb. 8 to 10, when the community comes together for Coniston Winterfest. The annual event features a variety of activities — a little something for everyone, according to Wahamaa, who serves as marketing co-ordinator for the Coniston Community Action Network (CAN).
The festival is “the biggest event of the year,” for the town, she said. “There are so many things that are free for families.”
Highlights of the weekend include the Coniston Minor Hockey Tournament, with games taking place from Friday to Sunday, as well as horse-drawn sleigh rides, an open curling bonspiel, dart tournament, cookie decorating for kids, family exercise class, a snowshoe walk, dog sled rides, skating races, a pancake breakfast, baking, porketta bingo and a fish fry.
Wahamaa said she is looking forward to the evening walk down the Jean Tellier Trail. At 6:45 p.m. on Feb. 9, the community is invited to meet at the school entrance with their own light sources before trekking the trail. The walk will be held “in memory of the man who was the driving force.”
Hot chocolate and cookies will be served as the beginning of the walk and folks are welcome to check out the Elvis tribute show at the Colonial Inn afterwards (age of majority event).
Funds raised from the show will go to the Jean Tellier Naming Fund.
Wahamaa said she likes being part of the festival as a means of giving back to her community. She likes the idea of growing the small community into a more involved community.
“We welcome everyone to come out and have some fun,” she said.
Jim Sartor, chair of the Coniston CAN, echoed her words.
“The citizens of Coniston welcome everyone in our community and visitors from out of town, to join us for the Coniston Winterfest,” he said.
For more information about the festival, visit myconiston.ca and search for Coniston Winterfest on Facebook.
