By Emily Stonehouse
It’s back. After a few year’s hiatus from large-scale public events, the 31st Dorset Snowball Winter Carnival will be welcoming guests from near and far on Feb. 17 and 18 this year. Sandra Rogers, the recreation coordinator for Algonquin Highlands shared with the Times that she and the community are “very excited” to kick-off this family friendly event once again. “It has grown from an event that used to be only attended by people from Dorset to an event that is now attended by 1200-1500 people from all over Ontario,” she said.
The event boasts a jam-packed schedule, kicking off with a family skating party from 6-9 p.m. on Feb 17, which includes music, hot chocolate, and bonfires.
The fun continues on Feb. 18, starting at 9 a.m. with a pancake breakfast, and continuing all day with live music, a parade, “cardboard toboggan” races, ice hockey, snowshoe races, a virtual reality dogsled tour, a Great Canadian Lumberjack show, and much more. There will also be funnel cake, hamburgers, pizza, peameal on a bun, and a bake sale available for treats.
Having originated in 1991, the core of the carnival was to fundraise for the Dorset Recreation Centre. Now, it has evolved into a primary tourism driver for the community of Dorset, particularly during the winter months.
Entry to the carnival requires a “Snowball Button” and can be purchased at the event. All buttons are the same price of $5 per person.
For the full schedule of events, visit www.dorsetsnowball.com