The demolition derby track has been plowed, the ice bar is almost ready and the lumitalo has been created.
That means the second annual Severn Winterfest is right around the corner.
Volunteers have been working day and night to prepare ODAS Park for the celebration of all things winter, which will take place Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Event president Chad Cooke is excited to see the lumitalo — an illuminated snow house — take shape.
“This is significantly larger than last year’s,” he said while standing inside the impressive snow structure.
In addition to the demolition derby, ice slide, inflatable attractions, mini-snowmobile rides and Saturday night’s dance, there will be roller-skating inside The Roller Skating Place on Friday night, Saturday during the day and night and Sunday during the day. There will be a special light and sound show for roller-skaters on Friday.
A screening of the new Lion King movie will take place Friday at 8:15 p.m. in Building 1.
The polar bear dip will see people jump into some ice-cold water at 1 p.m. Sunday. Dippers can register on the day of the event and must raise a minimum $50 in pledges to take the plunge. All of the proceeds will be split between the Orillia Youth Centre and a project to revitalize the community baseball diamond in Marchmont.
Members of the Canadian Forces will be on hand with a winter survival set-up.
“The kids will find it extremely interesting, and it’s always nice to support the Canadian Forces,” Cooke said.
Volunteers are still needed to help out during the weekend. They are encouraged to contact ODAS Park at 705-325-0353 or [email protected].
Admission to the event is $5 for a weekend pass. Some events cost extra, including the ice dance and pancake breakfast.
For a full schedule of events, visit the Severn Winterfest website.
