The thousands of athletes from around the province who will be in the area next weekend will share the spotlight with a local tradition.
The Orillia Winter Carnival returns to Couchiching Beach Park March 2 and 3.
The carnival is usually held the second weekend in February, but it was changed this year to coincide with the Orillia 2018 Ontario Winter Games, whose headquarters will be the Orillia Waterfront Centre.
“We intentionally moved it to give folks something else to do that weekend,” said carnival president Mark Earl. “That way, when (Ontario Winter Games athletes and spectators) have got time, it helps keep them in the city.”
There will be plenty to see and do at this year’s event.
The always popular polar bear dip will take place March 3 at 2 p.m. Those who want to take the plunge in Lake Couchiching can do so if they raise at least $50. Registration will start at noon. All money raised from the polar bear dip will go to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orillia and District.
The ice castle will be back this year. The blocks were being unloaded Friday, and it will be constructed this Saturday. Earl invites anyone who wants to help with the castle to stop by Saturday. Volunteers will begin assembling the castle at 9 a.m. and it is expected to last all day.
The adult dance with Dr. Krane will take place March 2 at the Geneva Event Centre. It is already sold out.
New this year is bingo, which will be held at the legion March 2.
Also making a debut at this year’s event, the folks from Ax Men in Orillia will be on hand on the Saturday to show off their ax-throwing skills.
The entertainment continues that day with the “ultimate snowball fight.” Teams of seven will battle it out in a format that includes elements of dodgeball and capture the flag.
The carnival will be raising money through the sale of buttons. They are available now for purchase at some downtown businesses and will also be sold during the event.
OPP will have a kids’ fishing area, and there will be food vendors on site.
“It will be good family fun,” Earl said. “It gets rid of those winter blues. There’s a lot of fun things to do, especially jumping in the lake to support Big Brothers Big Sisters.”
Those who want to volunteer can show up at the event. “The more volunteers, the merrier,” Earl said.
The carnival committee consists of 10 people, and Earl said more are welcome to help plan for next year’s event.
To learn more about how to get involved, or about all of the events happening at this year’s carnival, visit orilliawintercarnival.ca.
