The Vernon Winter Carnival 2023 is running from Feb. 3 to Feb. 12.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Vernon Winter Carnival Society
January 08, 2023 - 4:30 PM
The Vernon Winter Carnival is back in full force this year after pandemic restrictions limited events for the past two, and there is a lot of excitement in the air.
The more than 60-year-old community event takes place from Feb. 3 to Feb. 12, with more than 130 events happening throughout the city.
“It has been a challenge over the last two years and we are so happy to provide something to the community,” said executive director at the Vernon Winter Carnival Society, Vicki Proulx.
Last year events were limited due to COVID, while the year before the events were hosted virtually. This year will be filled with ten days of fun, and there is “something for everyone.”
“There are free and ticketed events,” Proulx said. “There are events for families and adults, and indoor and outdoor events.”
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The Vernon Winter Carnival started in 1961. It has been a staple of tourism in Vernon and a way to boost the local economy.
Proulx said it originally came about because people needed something to lift their spirits in the middle of winter.
“It is all about fostering community spirit and bringing people together,” she said.
The Vernon Winter Carnival 2023 Balloon Glow event takes place at Polson Park on Feb. 3.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Vernon Winter Carnival Society
The festival kicks off on Friday night, Feb. 3 with the Balloon Glow at Polson Park, a free family outdoor event where air balloons are lit up in the winter darkness.
“There is no way to explain how the community comes together, with generations of families attending,” Proulx said. “There are a lot of new people in the community who maybe haven’t connected during the pandemic and this event will help build that connection.”
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The society is looking for volunteers to help with the event, needing around 300 to 400 of them for the annual festivals.
“We try to match volunteers to what they are most interested in,” Proulx said. “It is a great way to give back to the community and meet new people, to grow and to gain experience. We are very open to new ideas if you think you can make something better.”
Go here for a list of events or to sign up to volunteer.
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