Winterfest 2023 is now in the books and Portage Community Revitalization Corporation Community Engagement Coordinator Lorna Knight says it looks like the turnout will see another extended version next year.

She notes, despite the cancellation of Tuesday's skate on the Crescent due to the weather, things went well.  

"That weather was just a little bit too warm for us on Tuesday," says Knight. "We were just encouraging everyone to send some pictures of what they did on Valentine's or some other winter activity that they haven't been involved in this week and we're going to have a draw for a gift card. That's going to be open right through until the end of the weekend. So, people have a chance to get out, do some things and share their pictures with us."

She notes the official draw is on Tuesday, seeing as Monday is Louis Riel Day, and their office will be closed that day.

"It went over really well on the start day on Sunday," continues Knight. "We had about 1000 people come out at the actual kickoff Winterfest event. Our weather was spectacular. We had the dog sleds, the teepee was up, we had the bouncy castles, and an amazing entertainer that was able to put on a show for the kids inside in the gym. And then on Monday night, we had the Cultural Cake and Tea with drinks and refreshments. 80 participants came out for that, which was very lovely. Council was there and cut the cake and said a few words."

She notes she fell in love with a specific hot chocolate that she describes as extremely deep and rich. 

"Wednesday night's family bingo saw over 60 people," says Knight. "It was a great night. There were prizes that were won and everyone had a good time. The Girl Guides were able to help us out with that, which was also an added bonus. Thursday, we have a sold-out movie -- Ice Age was playing at the theatre. Friday night, the PRRA did the Winterfest Swim for us. So, that's the reduced cost on the family passes for the public swim, which was from 4:30 until 8:00."

A scavenger hunt took place over the entire week and continued into this weekend. 

She sends a huge thank you to all the volunteers who came out.

"Obviously, with an event of this size, having volunteers and other individuals in the community that are able to participate, as well as the Winterfest committee organizations, is key for this type of thing to be a success. And we're also really lucky that we had fantastic sponsors and donations from so many organizations. It's a real credit to the support that our Portage businesses can give to our nonprofit organizations, to be able to offer a week of free community events." 

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