REDVERS - The Redvers Winterfest remains a popular pre-Christmas event with people in the southeast region.
The annual festival was held in the town Dec. 9. Organizing committee member Jena Cowan said she and the other committee members thought this was the best edition ever.
"We've added so many things to our timeline, and we tried to add events from all age ranges. I would say the most successful new addition this year would be our mascots," said Cowan.
Their new snowman Chilly was a hit with the kids and was involved with the Santa photos, she said. Also new for this year was a Christmas bake-off.
"A few of our students from the home ec. class in the high school, as well as some community members, got to enter their baking, win a trophy and some Redvers bucks to spend locally."
Bouncers in the Redvers Curling Rink were a big hit, she said. The parents could sit at tables and socialize while the kids ran around, jumped in the bouncers, played with each other and had some fun.
The Memorial Tree was lit in the late afternoon. It's a poignant tribute to those who have passed away. Music was provided by Colby Raymond and Valen Keating at this year's ceremony.
The evening lighted parade was likely the biggest one they have had in quite a few years, Cowan said.
"We were surprised by the effort put in by all of our businesses when they are making their floats, so we were very, very happy with it," said Cowan.
Early in the day, Spider-Man and Wonder Woman dropped by the Redvers School gymnasium for the How to be a Superhero presentation. They talked about all the positive things kids can do. The duo also set up an obstacle course. Santa Claus dropped by for photos with children.
Then the activities spread out into the town. The Golden Age Centre became the Winterfest headquarters, where people could watch the bake-off, make hair tinsel, participate in a cribbage tournament and work on crafts.
"It was a central location for everyone to come and warm up and see what is happening," said Cowan.
The Redvers branch of the Royal Canadian Legion boasted a trade show with about 20-30 vendors. Purity Relaxation and Beauty Spa offered a spot where people could warm up and watch movies on a 70-inch television supplied by Today's Electronics.
A scavenger hunt allowed children to go out in the community, find different things and upon completion, receive a coupon for a free drink at the Redvers Rockets' Big Six Hockey League game that night. There was also a skate with the Rockets prior to the game.
Cowan said it was hard to gauge how many people attended. Highway conditions kept a lot of people from coming in from out of town, but she believes hundreds of people still showed up.
The event had been organized by Kendra Miller, Megan Ellison and Kayleen Gaudet in recent years. Cowan and Sam Purvis were new to the organizing committee this year. They looked after all of the businesses and activities to ensure everyone had something going on that day.
Cowan believes the Redvers Winterfest is a great way for people to get in the Christmas spirit. The town also tried something different with its Christmas lights, stringing them across Main Street and up power poles so the holiday season feels a little more festive.
"We just like that community gathering, get something for the kids to do, get out of the house, and we're just really attached to it," said Cowan.
Cutline: Santa Claus and Chilly the Snowman visited with children. Photo courtesy of Jena Cowan
The Redvers Winterfest remains a popular pre-Christmas event with people in the southeast region.
The annual festival was held in the town Dec. 9. Organizing committee member Jena Cowan said she and the other committee members thought this was the best edition ever.
"We've added so many things to our timeline, and we tried to add events from all age ranges. I would say the most successful new addition this year would be our mascots," said Cowan.
Their new snowman Chilly was a hit with the kids and was involved with the Santa photos, she said. Also new for this year was a Christmas bake-off.
"A few of our students from the home ec. class in the high school, as well as some community members, got to enter their baking, win a trophy and some Redvers bucks to spend locally."
Bouncers in the Redvers Curling Rink were a big hit, she said. The parents could sit at tables and socialize while the kids ran around, jumped in the bouncers, played with each other and had some fun.
The Memorial Tree was lit in the late afternoon. It's a poignant tribute to those who have passed away. Music was provided by Colby Raymond and Valen Keating at this year's ceremony.
The evening lighted parade was likely the biggest one they have had in quite a few years, Cowan said.
"We were surprised by the effort put in by all of our businesses when they are making their floats, so we were very, very happy with it," said Cowan.
Early in the day, Spider-Man and Wonder Woman dropped by the Redvers School gymnasium for the How to be a Superhero presentation. They talked about all the positive things kids can do. The duo also set up an obstacle course. Santa Claus dropped by for photos with children.
Then the activities spread out into the town. The Golden Age Centre became the Winterfest headquarters, where people could watch the bake-off, make hair tinsel, participate in a cribbage tournament and work on crafts.
"It was a central location for everyone to come and warm up and see what is happening," said Cowan.
The Redvers branch of the Royal Canadian Legion boasted a trade show with about 20-30 vendors. Purity Relaxation and Beauty Spa offered a spot where people could warm up and watch movies on a 70-inch television supplied by Today's Electronics.
A scavenger hunt allowed children to go out in the community, find different things and upon completion, receive a coupon for a free drink at the Redvers Rockets' Big Six Hockey League game that night. There was also a skate with the Rockets prior to the game.
Cowan said it was hard to gauge how many people attended. Highway conditions kept a lot of people from coming in from out of town, but she believes hundreds of people still showed up.
The event had been organized by Kendra Miller, Megan Ellison and Kayleen Gaudet in recent years. Cowan and Sam Purvis were new to the organizing committee this year. They looked after all of the businesses and activities to ensure everyone had something going on that day.
Cowan believes the Redvers Winterfest is a great way for people to get in the Christmas spirit. The town also tried something different with its Christmas lights, stringing them across Main Street and up power poles so the holiday season feels a little more festive.
"We just like that community gathering, get something for the kids to do, get out of the house, and we're just really attached to it," said Cowan.
