It’s a busy few days across the Highlands, with plenty on the schedule as folks plan for their Family Day long weekend – including the 34th annual Dorset Snowball winter carnival.
Taking over the hamlet Feb. 13-14, the outdoors festival, organized by Algonquin Highlands township, has something for everyone says staffer Sandra Rogers.
“We have lots of interactive activities people can participate in, lots of fun 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.
Snowball buttons, which grant access to most activities, are $5 per person, with children two and under free.
The festivities begin Friday night with a community skating party at the Dorset Ice Palace, located within Lions Centennial Park, from 6 to 9 p.m. Rogers confirmed there will be a campfire, live music and hot chocolate.
The frosty fun continues Saturday, kicking off with a pancake breakfast at the Dorset Recreation Centre from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. (additional fee, adults are $10 and children five and under $5). The ceremonial Snowball parade will take participants from the Dorset Garage to the rec centre at 10:30 a.m.
There will be various activities running at Centennial Lions Park, the rec centre and Tapscott Lopes Park from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., including: horse drawn wagon rides, courtesy of Thunder Ridge Farm; inflatable maze; dunk tank; public skating; woodcarving by Colin Brown; wildlife calling by Steve Morrin; a children’s colouring contest and facepainting; walkthrough zoo by Amanda’s Exotic Animals; balloon art; maple taffy; inflatable axe throwing and virtual reality dog sled tours.
Featured activities include a hockey shootout at the Dorset Ice Palace at 11:15 a.m., with pre-registration and helmets required; Great Canadian Lumber Jack show in the rec centre parking lot at 11 a.m., 1:30 and 3 p.m.; The Eyrie Birds of Prey show in the rec centre gymnasium at 11:30 a.m., 1 and 2 p.m.; and the traditional cardboard toboggan race at Centennial Lions Park at noon, with pre-registration and helmets required.
Snowball concludes with Hockey Night in Dorset at 6 p.m., with this year’s tilt pitting the Dorset Hounds against Lake of Bays at the Dorset Ice Palace.
Also on the agenda
Rails End Gallery is holding an opening reception for its annual members exhibition, this year titled ‘Arts and Science’, on Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. Curator Laurie Jones said the group show brings together new work by more than 50 gallery members.
“Rather than illustrating science directly, the exhibit looks at how artists and scientists often work in similar ways – asking questions, testing ideas, paying close attention and learning through making,” Jones said. “Together, the exhibition offers a snapshot of how artists in this region are thinking about the world.
The exhibition is open during regular gallery hours, Wednesday-Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Minden Hills Cultural Centre is opening its doors Monday for its annual Family Day open house from noon to 2 p.m.
There will be hands-on nature-themed arts and crafts at Nature’s Place and a special interpretive program led by local entomologist Basil Conlin, with an insect specimen display exploring the relationship between insects, humans and the environment. Visitors can also enjoy free skating at the Dawson Hamilton Outdoor Memorial Rink in the heritage village, while Minden Rotary will be offering chili and hot dogs.
The party continues at S.G. Nesbitt Memorial Arena, with musician Carl Dixon on hand for a special concert at 1 p.m. before the Haliburton County Huskies take on the Pickering Panthers at 2 p.m. Entry to the concert is covered with a game ticket.
