Countdown on to Carnival

Nov 18, 2019 | 5:25 AM

The 60th annual Vernon Winter Carnival is just over two months away, and organizers are planning a special celebration to commemorate the milestone.

Carnival Remembers the 60’s is presented by Valley First and runs Feb. 7-16, 2020.

“We asked the community to get involved for the 60th anniversary and the response was overwhelming,” said Vicki Proulx, Executive Director. “We are thrilled with the amount of returning and new events.”

Over 125 events have been booked for the 2020 carnival, 30 more events than last year.

“Many events sell out quickly – some within hours, so don’t be disappointed and buy your tickets early, they make great Christmas gifts,” said Proulx.

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Proulx adds some event tickets including the popular Suds N Cider can only be bought in store or over the phone. Some quick selling events also have limits on how many tickets can be purchased at once,.

You can check vernonwintercarnival.com for full details.

There are 19 new events for Carnival: Queen Silver Star Snowflake Ball – Feb. 8; Dinner Theatre – “Doesn’t Time Fly” – Musical Comedy – Feb. 11-15; Remember the 60’s? at the Vernon Museum – Feb. 13; Valentines’ Night Ski at Sovereign Lake – Feb. 14; Snowed in Comedy Tour – Feb. 14; Pancake Breakfast at Halina Centre – Feb. 15; JCI Rock Stars Bonspiel presented by A&W – Feb. 15; TKH Kids Club Dance Party – Feb. 16

New Free Events include: Ice Sculpting – Feb 7-8; Balloon Glow & Carnival Kickoff Celebration – Feb. 7; Okanagan’s Got Talent – Feb. 9 & 16; Vintage Snowmobile Poker Run – Feb. 9; Jam Can Curling – Feb. 10-14; Bingo Marathon at Halina Centre – Feb.11; Total Fun Bed Races – Feb. 11; Mr. Mikes TWIST OFF – Feb. 13; Iron Gallery opening & Blacksmith Demo at O’Keefe Ranch- Feb. 14 & 15; Country Music Valentines Night Dance at The Green – Feb. 14; Groove your Flow with Bliss Pilates – Feb. 15.

The mid-winter festival will also feature the return of the iconic Ice Palace and the tradition of the Sheriff’s Jail.

Other exciting highlights for the 60th anniversary include fireworks to kick off the Festival on Feb. 7, the return of Jam Can Curling and ice carving for local students, and a new location for the Family Day and Polar Bear Swim events at Paddlewheel Park.

“It’s hard to believe that Vernon Winter Carnival will begin in less than three months! Your board of directors has been working hard along with Vicki, our Executive Director, to ensure that Carnival remembers the 60’s is a very memorable year! So many new events as well as bringing back some of the favorite events from years past. I can’t wait!” said Deb White, Chair of Vernon Winter Carnival.

The Carnival brochure will be available starting Nov. 30 at the Downtown Vernon Light Up.

All event tickets go on sale Dec 6 at 9 a.m. Most tickets can be purchased online at vernonwintercarnival.com/events.

All tickets can be purchased by phone at 250-545-2236 or in person from the Vernon Winter Carnival Office 3401 35 Ave.

by Pete McIntyre

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