Old Man Winter’s recent blast of weather is welcomed by local residents taking in Scotsburn’s winter carnival this weekend.
Scotsburn Recreation President Jennifer MacLennan said the weekend has many activities lined up that don’t require snow, but a few of the favourites like coasting, sleigh rides and the winter hike tend to be more enjoyable with lots of white stuff on the ground.
She said that it is the efforts of many volunteers from various community groups hosting the different events that have made this such an enjoyable weekend in the past, and it is expected to be the same again this year.
Winter carnival fun will take place Feb. 2-4. Events kick off Friday at the Scotsburn Fire Hall with a dance from 8 p.m. to midnight. Admission is $5 and participants must be 19 and over to enjoy the entertainment from Casual DJ.
On Saturday, the Scotsburn Fire Department will a pancake breakfast complete with sausages or bacon at the fire hall from 8 to10 a.m. at a cost of $7 adults and $3 children.
If the county is fortunate to have snow on the hill at Smith Rock Chalets on Saturday afternoon, then participants can enjoy some coasting from 1 to 3 p.m. It is also hoped that some members of the Dalhousie Mountain Snowmobile Club will be able to assist the coasters in getting back up the long hill. The recreation committee want to remind coasters that they will be doing so at their own risk, and it is therefore recommended to wear a helmet, especially for younger children.
For those who had pre-ordered their bean supper from Scotsburn 4-H members, they will have a treat to look forward to at suppertime. Meals can be picked up at the fire hall between 4:30-6 p.m., and there will be a limited amount of extra dinners available for anyone showing up early to claim them, at a cost of $7.
Also on Saturday, from 7 to 8:30 pm, everyone is encouraged to head to the Scotsburn Elementary School for a few friendly games of dodgeball. Participants are asked to bring indoor footwear.
On Sunday, Scotsburn Bethel Presbyterian and United Churches invite congregational members to “Bring a Friend to Church” that morning at 11 a.m. to the respective churches. Following the services, the United Church will be hosting “Cookie Sunday” to share some treats and socialize with neighbours and friends or you can stay warm inside Bethel while you wait for the sleigh rides that start at Bethel’s Church Manse across the road travelling up Campbell Hill Road. These will go from noon to 2 p.m. and are free of charge.
To complete the winter activities, the Cape-to-Cape organizers are meeting preregistered participants at 1 p.m. outside at Deb’s Hidden Café in the village of Scotsburn to determine the best route to do a snowshoe hike once the level of abilities is determined from the group. It is recommended by group leader Eric Wilson to bring some snacks, water, tea or coffee and an extra shell to keep warm in the event of a cold wind. Anyone interested can pre-register by emailing Eric at [email protected].
As Feb. 4 is also the first Sunday of the month, the Community Library at the John P. Gammon Recreation Centre is also going to be open from 1 to 2:30 p.m. for anyone interested in finding some books to read. There is a large selection of both fiction and non-fiction books for attendees to choose from.
