Winter Carnival office (Vernon Matters photo)

By Pete McIntyre

Feb. 4-13

Winter Carnival adapts to COVID orders, ready for 62nd annual

Jan 21, 2022 | 9:00 AM

It has been a challenge to adapt to the COVID-19 orders, but the 62nd annual Vernon Winter Carnival is going ahead and is just a couple of weeks away.

Activities will take place around Greater Vernon from February 4 to 13, in-person and virtually, and while some events have been cancelled due to the changing nature of COVID-19, many others will still move forward.

“Organizing events for this year’s carnival has not been without its challenges,” said Vicki Proulx, Carnival’s executive director. “The introduction of new restrictions in December brought a lot of uncertainty. However, we have learned that it is important to be able to adapt and change with the restrictions in order to bring this much-beloved event to our community in a safe and healthy way for everyone to enjoy.”

The outdoor events will include the new Winter Playground at the DND Grounds every day of Carnival. It. will feature an Ice Palace, family-friendly winter activities and entertainment. A daily activity schedule and tickets for the Winter Playground can be found online at vernonwintercarnival.com/events

“Vernon Winter Carnival learned a lot from last year’s adapted festival,” said Erik Olesen, Chair of Vernon Winter Carnival Society. “We took our experience from 2021 and planned mainly outdoor events for 2022, which can continue under the current PHO orders.”

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(Image credit: Vernon Winter Carnival)

In addition to the new Winter Playground event the festival will also welcome back the Carnival Parade Feb 5, Snow Sculptures at Silver Star Mountain, the Polar Bear Swim and many more outdoor events. Many third party events will also go forward including virtual events with Planet Bee and the Greater Vernon Museum and Archives, outdoor and indoor events at O’Keefe Ranch, Chocolate Classes with Cotton’s Chocolates and an outdoor scavenger hunt with the Downtown Vernon Association, just to name a few.

“Vernon Winter Carnival 2022 may not be back to normal just yet, but we’re excited to provide fun and safe events this February in whatever way we can,” said Proulx. “This festival has always been about bringing people together and keeping us connected through shared experiences. Our community needs these connections more now than ever.”

Event tickets can be purchased online at vernonwintercarnival.com/events by phone at 250-545-2236 or in person from the Vernon Winter Carnival Office 3401 35 Ave – open Monday-Friday 9 am-5 pm and Saturday 10 am-3 pm.

All events held during Vernon Winter Carnival will take place under the most current Public Health Orders from the PHO. Many events may require proof of vaccination. Patrons are asked to check vaccination requirements prior to purchasing tickets and prior to the event.