NEWS RELEASE
CITY OF BARRIE
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The City of Barrie proudly presents Winterfest, one of the Top 100 Festivals and Events in Ontario, on Feb. 1 and 2. The theme of Winterfest 2020 will be Books Alive!, celebrating the literary world and characters from favourite novels and childhood books.
Winterfest takes place Feb. 1 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Feb. 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Heritage Park and Meridian Place with most activities free to enjoy. There are also drop-in activities and events at indoor venues throughout the community all weekend.
Outdoor fun
Family entertainment
Helicopter rides ($)
Ice and snow sculptures
Lumberjack shows
Maple taffy samples
Polar Bear Dip free to participate and no pre-registration required
Skating at the Heritage Park pond, City Hall, or Centennial Park
Toronto Maple Leafs Mobile Fan Zone - bring your skates!
Walking tour with Barries Town Crier
Winter nature play
Drop-in activities
Storytime, crafts, performances, escape room and more at Barrie Public Library and MacLaren Art Centre
Grey & Simcoe Foresters Regimental Museum Tour
Toonie skates and swims at East Bayfield Community Centre, Allandale Recreation Centre, and Holly Community Centre
Community events
Winterfest Pancake Breakfast hosted by the Lions Club of Barrie on Saturday morning at Collier Street United Church
February Blues Festival enjoy Jazz & Blues music in venues throughout the community
Downtown Barrie's Hot Cocoa Trail hot chocolate creations available at downtown cafes and eateries every weekend in February
Free Winterfest shuttle
Winterfest offers a free Park 'n Ride Shuttle on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The shuttle will pick up and drop off passengers on Coulter Street behind the Bayfield Mall at Barrie Transit stop #203 and the Downtown Transit Terminal, which is just a short walk across the street from Winterfest.
Parking and road closure
If youre driving, theres plenty of downtown and waterfront parking available within close walking distance. Barrie residents can park for free in waterfront lots when displaying a Resident Waterfront Parking Pass. Simcoe Street will be closed from Maple Avenue to Dunlop Street from 6 a.m. on Feb. 1 to 6 p.m. on Feb. 2.
Winterfest kicks off a month-long celebration of winter in Barrie, with various events happening around the City throughout February. For more information, including a full schedule of activities, times and locations, visit www.barrie.ca/Winterfest.
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