Winterfest will be returning once again to the Village of Radium Hot Springs on Saturday, February 19.
This year’s Winterfest will feature a Curling Fun Spiel. The Fun Spiel will take place from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Legend’s Field, beside the Seniors’ Hall.
This all-ages event will have 16 teams of four curling four ends on two outdoor rinks. The entry fee is $20 and will guarantee two games, and will give participants a discount on their dance ticket, making it $5.
“Winterfest was only initiated last year and there was no curling,” said Clara Reinhardt, who is running the Fun Spiel event. “If we get a good response this year, we would like to see it become a fixture for this event.”
Winterfest goers can also pay $5 to draw to the button on the outdoor rinks to win a one week accommodation anywhere in the world prize through Interval International, courtesy of Bighorn Meadows Resort. All proceeds for the button draws will go towards the Radium Events Committee.
“I grew up in a small town in Alberta. Curling was a part of the Phys.Ed. program,” said Reinhardt of her curling interest and experiences. “4-H had curling events every year as well. Up north every community had a curling rink with one to three sheets of natural ice…it became the social and recreational centre for the winter.
“We curled a lot when we were up north. I curled in the mixed league the first year we were here. Now my husband is more interested in men’s competitive. I never rule it out though in the future, when I am no longer travelling so much with my work.”
Winterfest will also hold other events, such as crafts and games located inside and outside the Seniors’ Hall from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
A Wilderness Competition will be held from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Participants can put their skills to the test and compete against Radium’s finest Wilderness Men and Women.
The Competition will have participants racing to complete an outdoor obstacle course to become the Wilderness Challenger.
To participate, register in advance at the Meet On Higher Ground Coffee Shop in Radium, located on Main St. West.
The Potato Topper Competition has returned “by popular demand” as well. From 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., guests can pay $5 to sample the most delicious potato toppings local restaurateurs have to offer. Samplers can choose their favourite topping and vote for the winner.
Winterfest will close with a Saturday Night Dance, from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. The dance will be a licensed event, so guests must be 19 years or older.
Those attending the dance can enter to win a one-week accommodation anywhere in the world through Interval International, also courtesy of Bighorn Meadows Resort, but to enter and win, guests must be at the dance.
For more information on Winterfest, contact the Radium Visitor Centre at 250-247-9331 or email info@radiumhotsprings.com.
To register for the Curling Fun Spiel, email Clara Reinhardt at regclara@shaw.ca or call 250-347-7706.