The Onaping Falls Winter Carnival runs Feb. 3-5, with numerous activities and events happening in Levack, Onaping and Dowling.
Winter carnivals have been around in the Levack/Onaping and Dowling areas for more than 55 years.
“Our carnivals have been enjoyed by thousands every year and are a main attraction for the residents of Onaping Falls,” said a press release. “We are proud to bring all three of our communities together with the 6th Annual Onaping Falls Winter Carnival.”
The carnival begins on Friday, Feb. 3 at 6 p.m. with the 2nd Annual Carnival Euchre Tournament at the Dowling Leisure Centre. A fun night of euchre with friends and neighbours with snacks available for purchase.
On Saturday, the festivities kick into full swing with a pancake breakfast (9 to 11 a.m.) and free kids’ curling (10 a.m. to 12 p.m.) at the Onaping Falls Curling Club.
In the afternoon, there’s winter fun at the Onaping Community Centre and Russell Beaudry Outdoor Rink with competitions for kids and adults, carnival games, face painting, photo booth, Canteen, Levack-Onaping Library Trivia Contest, the Ookpik Cardboard Box Derby, Selfie Carnival Logo Contest and free hot chocolate and coffee.
Saturday concludes with a community bonfire at the Dowling Leisure Centre from 7-8 p.m., with hot chocolate and other goodies.
Don’t forget to look for carnival mascots Ookpik and Bonhomme.
Sunday begins with a pancake breakfast (9-11 a.m.) at the Dowling Leisure Centre and a Carnival Breakfast at the Windy Lake Restaurant (9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.) with free x-country skiing and snowshoeing at the Onaping Falls Nordics Ski Club (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.).
In the afternoon, there is more winter fun at the Dowling Leisure Centre with another round of kids and adult competitions, carnival games, face painting, photo booth, canteen, Selfie Carnival Logo Contest, free hot chocolate and coffee, the Golden Age Card Room and a Vintage Snowmachine Show.
We have our annual Snow Sculpture Contest happening for Onaping Falls residents. Residents are also invited to decorate their windows with a carnival-themed display to get everyone in the spirit.
A carnival button is required to participate in any carnival event or activity. Buttons are $5 for adults and $3 for youth under 18 years old. Children under two years old are free. The purchase of a $5 adult carnival button enters you into a draw (License # M830830) with first prize $500, second prize $ 250 and third prize $100. Draw will be held live on Sunday, Feb. 5 at 5 p.m. on the Carnival Facebook page or in-person at Onaping Falls Legion.
Carnival buttons are available on January 15 at Levack Mini-Mart, Levack IDA Pharmacy, Onaping Kwik-Way, Windy Lake Restaurant, and Roger’s Valumart or on carnival weekend.
All proceeds go back to carnival events and local non-profit organizations.
Visit www.onapingfallswintercarnival.ca for all the details, as well as on social media.
