City supports carnival events if they comply with COVID rules

Vernon city council is supporting efforts by the Winter Carnival society to hold some sort of celebration in February.

Aptly themed “Wild West Carnival,” the event has been a wild one to plan with ever changing public health orders. The carnival’s latest plans for fenced off outdoor events for a maximum of 50 people, with an hour between to clean and sanitize, was possible prior to last week’s new orders prohibiting any outdoor or indoor gatherings.

“Winter Carnival has been a staple of our community for 60 plus years.” Coun. Kari Gares said. “If this pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that we need to look forward to something. This is the biggest family event in our community. We need to bring some joy back into our lives.”

Gares brought forth a motion in support of the carnival’s initial event plan for Kin Park, but accepted a friendly amendment from Mayor Victor Cumming.

“This is a very fluid situation. What we are looking at today could be different tomorrow. We have to make sure we match the public health orders of the day.” Cumming said.

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The city will forward a letter to carnival and Provincial Chief Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry stating that the city supports holding carnival events, provided they meet current public health orders.

“Wild West Carnival” is being planned for February 5th to 14th.