As our communities prepare to celebrate Canada's 150th anniversary we are going to start our year out by celebrating winter at our Clearwater Winter Festival.
Our valley offers many venues and ways to enjoy this time of year. Our celebrations will start with a big Midget hockey tournament on Jan. 13, 14, and 15.
Jan. 16 will be the start of our Hockey Days, which will run until Jan. 22. We would like to see everyone wearing a hockey jersey during the week.
Jan. 21 and 22 will see a minor hockey weekend with all teams in action.
Conditions permitting, there will be a Toonie Day on Jan. 20 at the Clearwater ski hill. In the event there is not enough snow, we will host a toboggan party along with refreshments on that day.
Dutch Lake is seeing a lot of winter activity, with skating, hockey and ice fishing. Clearwater Rotary Club will host its Ice Man fishing derby on Jan. 22, starting at 9 a.m. There will be games and prizes for the kids. Registration for fishing derby will take place at the lake.
Free public skating will take place at the Sportsplex on Jan. 20 and 22. A free public Skate With Disney and free refreshments on Jan. 27. Also on Jan. 27, at 9 p.m., there will be a teen skate and pizza party at the Sportsplex.
Figure skaters from Raft Mountain Skating will put on a performance on Jan. 28 at 7 p.m. in the Sportsplex.
Jan. 28 and 29 will be the novice hockey tournament. These are our youngest skaters and are enjoyable to watch.
Cross-country skiing is a big part of our winter activities. Candle Creek is open and ready, as is North Thompson Provincial Park. The popular Birch Leg cross-country ski event will take place at Candle Creek ski trails on Feb. 4.
Watch the Times and posters for our advertising of event times and places. Thank you to our sponsors for making our celebrations open and available for all ages.