Snowy fun for everyone

The snow has arrived in the Exploits Valley - just in time for Winterlude.

The 20th annual Winterlude is set for Feb. 10-13, and the Town of Grand Falls-Windsor is looking for participation, not only in the Town sponsored events, but from local groups and organizations as well.

"Any organization, or community groups who want to do something, it's a good time, you get free publicity, we'll print it in our brochure and there is no cost to the groups who are participating," said Councillor Amy Coady-Davis, chair of the parks, recreations and special events committee. "It's a good chance for them to do some fundraising and some awareness for their groups in the different activities that they put off."

Anyone who would like to put off an event, such as a bake sale, afternoon tea, flea markets, and so on, or any organization or group that has something planned during that time already, can contact the recreation department and add it to the schedule of events, Coun. Coady-Davis said.

The Town sponsored events are staples, she added, as well as the Eileen M. Dormody Memorial Invitational Bowling Tournament, which is sponsored by the Exploits Disability Association.

"That's where we do our opening ceremonies and then they have the bowling tournament," Coun. Coady-Davis said. "The weekend progresses from there with the different activities.

"We always do the sliding party at Church Road Park, our teddy bear parade, and we have a fireworks display normally to close it out. We have our horse-and-sleigh rides, which is always popular. The kids love that."

Council also sponsors skating events, such as parent and tot, family and general skating throughout the weekend.

"There are different things that go on at the Gordan Pinsent Centre for the Arts, I know Jordan Maloney is having a show there on Feb. 11, and he is always a big draw," she added. "Memorial United Church usually has a lumberjack dinner, the YMCA usually has some swimming and different gym activities, and you can always get a good breakfast, the religious organizations always do a good breakfast or a supper."

She added usually the Corduroy Brook Enhancement Association hosts Family Fun Day at Gibson's Field with sliding and hot chocolate.

"That's a lot of fun," she said. "I believe the Advertiser is sponsoring a skate on the outdoor rink this year as well, so that will be nice.

"It's usually a lot of activity going on, and hopefully the weather will participate."

The town has a lot to offer in the winter months, such as hockey, figure skating, a newly formed cross-country ski club with maintained trails, the Corduroy Brook Trail which is also groomed during the winter months, an outdoor rink, and sliding hills for family outings.

"There are lots of things to do," Coun. Coady-Davis said. "It's exciting, actually. There is no reason to be bored in the winter."

Even with all this activity, Winterlude is also an important event.

"It just breaks up the winter," Coun. Coady-Davis said. "It gives residents a chance to get out and enjoy some different things and participate in some of the community events, get out and see some people that they haven't seen in a while, just really to break up the winter. You get into February and you are right in the thick of it, so it just makes it a little bit more fun and it's something to look forward to."

Anoyone interested in hosting an event are asked to contact Grand Falls-Windsor Parks and Recreation Department at 489-0472, email rdrake@grandfallswindsor.com or fax 489-0454. The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, Jan. 25.

"We're hoping to have the schedule completed soon so if anyone is interested they should contact the recreation department as soon as possible to make sure they get on our publication so that when it goes out in the mail and it is advertised on our website, that their event is posted on the schedule."