So what’s new at Barrie Winterfest this year?
“Theatre by the Bay has created a historical walking tour that highlights Barrie's interconnections with winter over the years,” said Ashley Chappell, the city’s supervisor of special events and programming.
“They've got some great stories, including talking a bit about ice harvesting and even frozen fire hoses,” she added. “The walking tour is about an hour long, running multiple times each day.”
Chappell said the tours leave from Memorial Square, and the 5:15 p.m. tour Saturday evening will bring everyone back in time to stay and enjoy the Fire & Ice show at 6:30 p.m.
Barrie’s annual Winterfest returns Saturday, Feb. 3 and Sunday, Feb. 4 with activities and programming taking place in Heritage Park, downtown Barrie and other venues in the city.
Outdoor activities and entertainment will take place at Heritage Park and Meridian Place on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
There are to be ice sculptures carved from 300-pound blocks of ice by professional sculptors tonight, as well as Saturday and Sunday. This year’s ice sculptures celebrate the theme of flight and will be lit up to be enjoyed at night.
Winterfest will also feature horse-drawn wagon rides, Snow Valley’s mini-tube slide, inflatables, a fire pit warming zone, marshmallow roasting on a wood-burning fireplace, downtown Barrie’s hot cocoa trail and lumberjack shows.
There’s to be a fish underwater exhibit, to learn about the fish in the lake with Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority on Saturday, nature in winter programming, including the city's portable nature play kitchen, buskers and family entertainment including Trolls Character Party Storytime and TEAM T & J Kids Jumpin’ Jamboree.
Also Toronto Kite Fliers showcasing kites of all sizes, shapes and colours in a special winter aerial display, weather and wind permitting.
There will be helicopter rides, weather permitting, for $90 a person, Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Winterfest will also have skating, including a showcase and learn-to-skate program hosted by Barrie Skating Club at the Circle at the Centre’s ice rink.
Barrie Lions Club will have its Winterfest pancake breakfast at Collier Street United Church on Saturday, there’s to be STEAM family programming at Barrie Public Library’s downtown branch, Barrie Farmers’ Market on Saturday morning and February Blues Festival, featuring performances at various locations including Barrie Public Library and Barrie City Hall Rotunda.
For full details on the events, activities and programs happening Winterfest weekend, visit barrie.ca/winterfest.
