Neither sunshine nor balmy temperatures nor skimpy snowfall can stay Barrie’s Winterfest.
City officials say the annual winter carnival will go ahead this coming weekend, Feb. 3-4, with or without Mother Nature’s co-operation.
Or Old Man Winter’s help.
“With somewhat wintry weather in the forecast, there are no changes to the event program,” said Ashley Chappell, the city’s supervisor of special events and programming.
Chappell said the city’s special events team carefully plans each outdoor event with an eye on the forecasted weather for the season.
This includes both long-term planning and weather trends, as well as day-to-day event management using current weekly forecasts, she added.
“Contingency plans are in place to allow for a successful event in almost all weather situations, even if certain elements need to be modified,” Chappell said. “For example, last year’s snow sculpture was replaced with wood sculpting instead, as the forecast was not supporting a full snow sculpture build.
“Winterfest will continue as a fun and interactive event for families to enjoy regardless of snow accumulation or temperatures.”
Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Barrie forecast has temperatures of 0 Celsius on Saturday and minus-3 C on Sunday, with both days offering a mix of sun and cloud. The only chance of flurries this week is Tuesday and Wednesday, and it’s 30 to 40 per cent at that.
But still there will be Winterfest.
The 2024 event features winter activities all day, on both days, including ice sculptures, lumberjack shows, family entertainment, drop-in activities, skating, etc. Saturday evening will have live entertainment, combining history and circus thrills.
Barrie Winterfest also kicks off Hello Winter, celebrating Barrie's winter spirit throughout February and March, and including Sunnidale Park activities such as birds of winter walks, the owl prowl and nature in winter.
For more on Winterfest and Hello Winter, visit Barrie Winterfest and Hello Winter .
