Shake off the winter blues at Christina Lake Winterfest
By Erin Perkins
From a winter version of baseball called Sno-Pitch to skill testing games and a polar dip in the lake, Christina Lake’s annual Winterfest promises to have it all.
Winterfest, sponsored by the Christina Lake Community Hall Association, runs Friday, Feb. 3 and Saturday, Feb. 4.
“(Come out) just to visit with friends, meet new people and enjoy the activities,” said Brenda Auge, Christina Lake Community Hall Association member. “Even if you don’t want to participate, there will be lots of entertaining things to watch.”
The event kicks off with a new feature, the Free Friday family movie night at Christina Lake Community Hall. The first movie is Happy Feet, which starts at 6:30 p.m. followed by a screening of Cool Runnings at 8 p.m. Pop and popcorn will also be available for purchase to make the entertaining evening complete.
Also on Friday is the start of the Sno-Pitch games at the ball field. On Friday the games begin at 5 p.m. and on Saturday starting at 8 a.m. Relive your summer softball fun while running around in the snow or cheering from the stands.
Start your Saturday off right with a pancake breakfast from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Breakfast favorites like pancakes and sausages can be purchased for $5 a plate or $2 for children five and under.
If you want to earn a free breakfast, then dare to take a dip in Christina Lake in the Polar Bear Swim. The dip starts at 9 a.m. Saturday. To register contact Andy Stefanelli at 250-447-9557 or just show up.
Adults and children can show off their skills at the many games being offered at the hall on Saturday. There will be a kid’s ball hockey game from 9 a.m. to noon and prizes will be offered in bingo, ice fishing and The Bear Race. There will also be face painting and Minute-2-Winit. Register at Christina Lake School.
The ball hockey game is for eight to 13 year olds and goal equipment is recommended.
“We’d like to encourage out of town teams to come out too,” said Scott Dribnenki, ball hockey host.
New this year is The Amazing Race for 9 to 13 year olds beginning at 1 p.m. The race is based on the famous television show of the same name. Participants will have passports, clues, destinations and challenges to complete in this “four-point adventure”, said Auge.
Saturday also has games for the kids-at-heart too. For $1 an event at the hall, adults can play horseshoes at 10 a.m., the egg toss at 11 a.m., bocce at 11:30 a.m., a dog sled race at 1:30 p.m. and cribbage at 2:30 p.m.
If you’re more of a cook than an athlete, there’s something for you at The Pie and Chili Contest where the best cooks will be showing off their prowess. Drop off your food by 10 a.m. for judging at the hall kitchen on Saturday. There’s also a photo contest of Christina Lake winter scenes, activities and Winterfest.
End the day of snowy fun with a new Open Mic Talent Night. The open mic night is at the hall, on Saturday evening from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Lakers are invited to share their talents in song, dance, music, juggling or poetic readings. For more information contact Rick Richards at 250-447-9561.
This event is a fundraiser for the Christina Lake Community Hall Association and there will be by-donation boxes available for those who would like to support the hall.
