Winter Festivals in Sunset Country

Why hibernate in the winter? There are many winter festivals and carnivals in Northwest Ontario. It's much more fun to take part in an ice fishing derby, carving or viewing a snow sculpture, or watch canoe races than sitting on your couch! Here are a few of the Winter Carnivals in Sunset Country:

Many communities have snow sculpture competitions

Vermilion Bay Kin Karnival - February 16-19, 2012

The Vermilion Bay Kin Karnival is spread over 4 days in February. The Kin Karnival Events are suited to everyone - both young and old. Take part in the events such as the Fish Fry, Pancake Breakfast, Snow Derby, Kids Karnival and the Kin Karnival Dance for adults. See the crowning of the Carnival Queen and don't forget the main event, the Kin Family Fish Derby.

Thursday February 16 - There is the Kin Baby Contest and Cake Walk at the  Lions Hall from 6:30-9:30pm. Hot dogs and Canteen available. Pre-register at the toy library 807-227-KIDS.

Friday February 17 - Fill up at the yummy Fish Fry at Lions Hall from 5-7:00pm. Then at 7:00pm there is a Coffee House Fundraiser for Syd Wall.

Saturday February 18 - Start the day at Lions Hall where there is a Kin Pancake Breakfast from 8-11:00am. The Lion's Family Snow Derby takes place from 9:00am to 1:00pm. No trail permit required. The Eagle Lake SC Spaghetti Supper is at the Lions Hall from 4:30pm to 6:30pm. The Kin Karnival Queen will be crowned after the Spaghetti Supper. Mini Kids Karnival - 11:00am to 4:00pm at the School. In the evening, take part in the Kin Karnival Dance at the Bayview Motel starting at 9:00 pm. Age of Majority only.

Sunday February 19 - Have breakfast at the Kin Pancake Breakfast at the Lions Hall from 9:00am-11:30am. The Queen Contest Raffle Draw will be at 11:00am. The Kin Family Fish Derby takes place from the Eagle Lake Government Dock, 1:00pm to 4:00pm. Awards are at the Lions Hall from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. For more information on the Vermilion Bay Kin Karnival, visit www.experiencedryden.ca or contact Scott at 807-227-2904. For more information on Vermilion Bay visit www.visitmachin.com



Dryden Winter Festival - February 18-20, 2012

Take part in the Dryden Annual Winter Festival starting on Saturday February 18th. On Saturday, there will be a Grand Opening Ceremony at the Dryden Memorial Arena and then a fun hockey event for kids to watch, the Dryden Ice Dogs vs. Cops.

Sunday, February 19th is packed with activities. Start the day with breakfast at Moose Hall Breakfast from 9:00am-Noon. Take part in the 32nd Annual Snowarama for Easter Seals kids. Enjoy free activities such as the Family Fun Skate at the Dryden Memorial Arena, the Family Fun Swim at the Pool and Fitness Centre and the Skating Oval & Sliding Hill at Van Horne Landing. Warm up at the Bonfire & Warm Up Hut in the afternoon. There are also free Snowkiting Lessons & Demos.

Monday, Family Day, starts with a Pancake Breakfast at the Royal Canadian Legion. 3 on 3 Hockey Tourney at the Dryden Memorial Arena. There are many free activities again on Monday. Try Water Fit, Family Fun Swim, or Progressive Tennis at the Pool and Fitness Centre. Try your luck at the Family Fishing Derby on Wabigoon Lake. A fishing license is not needed as this is the Free Ontario Family Fishing Weekend. Holes are pre-drilled, just bring your rods & bait. We look forward to a fun family fishing day with you! Pimp Your Ice Shack - A panel of judges will make their rounds to ice shacks on Wabigoon Lake on February 20th. Pimp your shack along the ice road for easy judging OR provide transportation to your shack for the judge’s view. There will also be free Sleigh Rides & Dog Sled Rides, Snowkiting Lessons & Demos and skating and sliding at the Skating Oval & Sliding Hill at Van Horne Landing.

For more information on events and exact times, visit Experience Dryden. You may also call 807-223-1426 or email akidd@dryden.ca or winterfest@dryden.ca

Sioux Lookout Pond Hockey Tournament

Sioux Mountain Winter Festival - February 24-26

Sioux Lookout hosts an annual Sioux Mountain Winter Festival. The Legion Ladies Auxiliary host a beef on a bun event on Friday night. The Warrior boys hockey have their annual pancake breakfast on Sunday morning. The star of the show is the fifth annual Pelican Lake Pond Hockey Tournament taking place Saturday and Sunday at the Forest Inn Lakefront. For more information on the Pelican Lake Pond Hockey Tournament, contact Christine Hoey at 737-7955 or Email: christine@siouxtravel.ca The festival will run from February 24 until the 26 and takes place in various locations in Sioux Lookout as well as on Pelican Lake.

Kenora Winter Carnival - March 2-4, 2012

The Kenora Winter Carnival opens on Friday with free hot chocolate at 6:30pm under the tent. At 6:45pm the winner of the 2012 Snow Sculpture will be announced and then fireworks start at 7:00pm. Also at 7:00pm is a Euchre Tournament at the Keewatin Seniors Centre. The Rockin' Roots & Blues begins at 8:00pm at Shooters featuring live music by The Crooked Brothers, Bourbon Creek, Romi Mayes, and Jr Boy Jones with Ms. Kerrie Lapai.

Saturday is jammed pack with events at the Harbourfront and around town. At the Kenora Harbourfront you can find vendors and food concessions from 10:00am-5:00pm. The Kids Carnival and Funtastic Castle will be there from 10:00am-4:00pm. Beaver Creek Ranch will be there from 11:00am-3:00pm offering wagon rides. Have a talented dog? Bring him or her to the Dog Agility Contest at noon. At 1:00pm Boardanyone is putting on a snowboard competition. At 2:00pm there will be a Servers Scuttle, where teams of 2 people race through an obstacle course, holding a tray of glasses filled with water. The Sunset Trail Riders are also holding a Poker Derby.

Mount Evergreen Ski Hill is hosting a Dummy Downhill Race at 2:30pm. There is a free Public Swim from 3:15-5:15 at the Kenora Recreation Centre. Saturday night is hopping with the 4th Annual Hosers and Mukluks Winter Ball at the Lakeshore Hotel in Keewatin and the Rockin' Roots & Blues continues at Shooters featuring: Hillbilly Burlesque, the F Holes, Shadow Junction, and Lil Ed and the Blues Imperials.

Sunday of the Kenora Winter Carnival begins with a pancake breakfast at the Harbourfront from 10:00am-12:00pm. Also at the Harbourfront with be the Kids Carnival and Funtastic Castle and Snowmobile Rides from 10:00am-2:00pm. The Log Sawing Competition begins at noon and the Great Canadian Canoe Race begins at 12:30pm. Mount Evergreen Ski Hill is also hosting Dawn of the Shred at 11:00am. Beaver Creek Ranch is hosting a Girls Night from 6:00pm-8:00pm. You must pre-register for some of the events, please visit the Kenora Winter Carnival website for more information and to download registration sheets. If you are coming into Kenora for the weekend, the Super 8 is offering a Roots and Blues Package.

Cribbage Tournament at the Nestor Falls Winter Carnival

 

Nestor Falls Winter Carnival - March 2-4, 2012

Friday, March 2nd, 2012:

The Nestor Falls Winter Carnival begins with the judging of the Ice & Snow sculptures at 4:00pm. At 7:00pm come to "Without a Trace's" live performance at the Nestor Falls Community Hall. They'll play Country and Rock hits from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s & Today! Only 100 seats available. Age of Majority strictly enforced. Free entry in the All Participants Draw with ticket purchase! Only $10.

Saturday, March 3rd, 2012:

Registration for all events is at the Nestor Falls Community Hall. Get your ice fishing rods ready, the Winter Carnival Fishing Derby takes place from 7:00am – 5:00pm. The Poker Derby runs from 9:00am – 4:00pm as does the Scavenger Hunt. The Cribbage Tournament as well as Kid's Games start at 11:30am. Winter Photos will be judged and the winner announced. Submit your best winter themed photo by e-mailing it to Kiley Hanson at kileyhanson@gmail.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Photos must be high resolution and in image file format. At 5:00pm Awards and attendance prizes will be awarded. Cash bar and canteen will be available starting at 11:00 am. Entry fee for all events automatically enters to win an All Participants’ Draw. Saturday night features a Live Band - "Highway 71" at the 30th Annual Winter Carnival Dance from 9:00pm – 1:00am. $5 cover. Age of Majority strictly enforced.

Sunday, March 4th, 2012:

Fill up at the Pancake Breakfast from 8:00am-11:00am. It's all you can eat pancakes & sausage! $4.00/adult, $2/children 12 & under and Seniors eat free!

For more information on any events or activities at the Nestor Falls Winter Carnival, contact Kiley Hanson – kileyhanson@gmail.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 276-4405 or visit the Township of Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls website – www.livethelakelife.ca


Please visit the Sunset Country Events page for more information on other winter carnivals or events. If you have a winter carnival you'd like added to this post please email me.