There might have been a time when those running Stratford Winterfest started to get nervous once the event’s weekend dates showed up in the long-range weather forecast.
There might have been a time when those running Stratford Winterfest started to get nervous once the event’s weekend dates showed up in the long-range weather forecast.
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Bitter cold? Not good for kids, or anyone, really.
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Rain? Rename the event Mudfest and hope a few truckloads of straw can soak up some of the moisture.
Snow? Just make sure it’s not too much, like it was a couple years ago when a squall turned Upper Queen’s Park into a snow globe and ended the event earlier than scheduled.
“We’ve kind of been able to deal with that because we’ve had all types of weather through the years,” 2024 Winterfest chair Jamie Cottle said. “We don’t necessarily need snow on the ground.”
There wasn’t any last year, when thousands of local residents and guests from nearby communities visited. There should be some left Saturday after a few days of mild temperatures and showers. Saturday is forecast to be mostly cloudy and 2C.
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“It’s not super weather dependent,” Cottle added.
Before becoming Winterfest chair a few years ago, Cottle volunteered with the event that started in 1998. One thing hasn’t changed.
“It’s a free community event, and you don’t get a lot of those anymore,” he said. “Families of all ages can come and play and have fun and have a good time, and it’s all free.”
After Friday’s sold-out comedy show and card games, the real action is outdoors Saturday. Brant the FireGuy, a street entertainer from Toronto, is back for the first time in years to swallow flames and entertain kids. The 10-person Winterfest committee also purchased some new games to keep little ones entertained and mix things up.
“I think that was the feeling this year – to live it up and have something fresh,” volunteer co-ordinator Barb Cottle said. “Every year, we try to change that (entertainment) up. There is that balance between getting what they really enjoyed last year again but also something new to feel fresh.”
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The Birds of Prey Presentation with the Canadian Raptor Conservancy, which has performed at Wildwood, will include various eagles, hawks and owls that are trained for free flight while someone gives educational commentary about each one.
There are alpacas, big trucks, blacksmith demos with John Walker from Fallen Willow Forge, a children’s area with outdoor bowling and a giant soccer ball, an elementary school snowmen stroll, fire pits, a hockey shootout, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority story walk , ice sculptures, mini putt, an obstacle course, “sk” races, snowshoes from the Stratford Perth Museum, a snow slide, a Stratford Fire Department presentation, a Stratford Police Services appearance, a public library scavenger hunt, tobogganing and the Avon Co -op play area.
If you’re hungry, Features is serving smoked foods and Ken’s Fries will have hotdogs, hamburgers, fries and drinks. Tim Hortons will be there with hot drinks and Timbits, Crazee Kernels has kettle corn in bags. and Bake My Day and the Butter Bean Tart Bakery and Café has a variety of butter tarts.
Winterfest ends Sunday with a free skate from 2:30 pm to 4 pm at Dufferin Arena.
The forecast there is dry with hint of Zamboni in the air.
For more information, visit stratfordwinterfest.ca.
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