People couldn't wait for the Portage Community Revitalization Corporation's (PCRC) Winterfest yesterday at the BDO Centre in Portage la Prairie.

"We had such a great time at Winterfest 2017 and I'm so grateful to see such an amazing turn out," says Stefanie McKim, PCRC Community Engagement Coordinator. "We had 150 people here waiting at 2:15 when the event started at 2:30, which is really awesome for something that we've only put on two times. I think it's safe to say that this definitely will be an annual event moving forward."

Everyone taking part was treated to hot chocolate or coffee, hot dogs, maple syrup taffy, a hay ride, and even snow shoeing behind the BDO Centre. It was all free of charge in great February weather.

"We knew the forecast was going to be great," says McKim. "It's really exceeded our expectations seeing everyone come out. The hay rides were full every time the horses left, we couldn't make maple syrup taffy -- or get hot dogs ready -- fast enough, and that's amazing to see that so many people are supporting this. When people support us it makes us want to do these events, and plan more of them to bring the community together."

McKim adds it was nice to see the sloppy conditions didn't stop anyone from enjoying Winterfest 2017.