By Laura Keil
A light show, bouncy castles, and a live ice carving demonstration are just a handful of the great activities Valemount residents can look forward to at this year’s Winter Fest, spearheaded by Tourism Valemount.
The “block party” event will take place Sat. Feb 17th downtown on 5th avenue between Birch and Cedar streets (primarily between the Gathering Tree and IGA). The road will be closed for the event, which takes place between 5pm and 9pm.
“We wanted it to be a block party event,” said Tourism Valemount Executive Director Marcie Down. In previous years, Winter Fest has happened at the sportsgrounds and inside the arena.
Down said Tourism Valemount got additional sponsorships in the last couple weeks that allowed them to expand the activities including renting three bouncy castles which will be set up inside the former Fields building across from the Gathering Tree. Several businesses will be open late including the Gathering Tree with children’s activities and the Rocky Mountain Goat, where kids can get their photos taken with the special guest mascot “Olaf.”
The ice carver — Tyler Welfing of CarveWel Creations from Vernon — will be carving three different sculptures in the lots next to the brewery starting at 2pm or 3pm in the afternoon. Residents can watch the figures come to life over several hours. Welfing is also a wood carver and will have several wood carvings on display. The ice carvings will be on display until they melt.
Other highlights include a light show, DJ, dance party and “lawn” games with prizes. The maple syrup treats fell through however.
