The Dorset Snowball carnival returns for its 33rd year this weekend, with Algonquin Highlands mayor Liz Danielsen promising an array of fun-filled winter activities.
The event takes over Main Street in DorsetFeb. 14 and 15, with a jam-packed schedule filled with some of the community’s favourite yearly traditions and a sprinkling of fresh offerings, the mayor said.
“We’re all excited about Snowball,” Danielsen told The Highlander. “It’s a wonderful family day for everyone and this year will be even more special with the rec centre open and all it has to offer.”
Launched in 1991, Snowball has long been one of Dorset’s marquee celebrations. While this year is the event’s 35th anniversary, the two years it was suspended through the COVID-19 pandemic means the milestone won’t be officially recognized until 2027.
The event is organized by the township’s recreation department and costs $5 to attend, with children two and under free. Staffer Sandra Rogers said the button visitors receive upon arrival gets them a free
pass for all activities.
Things kick-off on Friday with a skating and dance party at the Dorset Ice Palace, from 6 to 9 p.m. There will be live music, complimentary hot chocolate and a campfire.
The rec centre is hosting a pancake breakfast on Saturday, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children five and under. As is tradition, town crier Bruce Kruger will lead the ceremonial parade from the Dorset Garage to the rec centre, with a selection of indoor activities from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Rogers said there’s an interactive walkthrough zoo, live music, drum circle, and free face painting. Outside, Emes
Family Maple Syrup will be offering samples of maple taffy, with the GreatCanadian Lumber Jacks hosting three
shows.
At Centennial Lions Park, there will be public skating, zorb balls, inflatable axe throwing, virtual dog sled tours, hockey shootouts, and the cardboard toboggan races. Tapscott-Lopes Park is hosting free kick sledding – a new feature this year, Rogers said.
Festivities conclude in the evening with Hockey Night in Dorset, pitting the Dorset Hounds against Lake of Bays for the annual Dorset Cup. Puck drop is 6 p.m.
“We have lots of interactive activities that people can participate in, lots of new features. There’s stuff for every age and it’s all covered with the entry fee – the only additional cost will be for food and goods offered by some of our vendors,” Rogers said.
Minden for Family Day
The Minden Hills Cultural Centre Foundation is hosting a Family Day open house at the Cultural Centre Feb. 17, from noon to 2 p.m. Admission is by donation, and no pre-registration is required – just drop by and enjoy a variety of activities for all ages.
This year’s open house features the Archie Stouffer Elementary School second annual student art exhibition. Visitors will have the opportunity to admire the creativity of local students and celebrate their artistic achievements. The exhibition will be on display in the Agnes Jamieson Gallery.
At Nature’s Place, families can get hands on with nature-themed arts and crafts while exploring the debut of an exciting new exhibit by the Apple Tree Identification Project (ATIP) Haliburton, which showcases local heritage and the rich history of apple cultivation in the area. The Haliburton Forest & Wild Life Reserve Ltd. will present a wolf centre exhibit, offering unique insights into the region’s wildlife.
Food and refreshments will be available, generously provided by the Minden Rotary Club.
