Warm weather just another hurdle for winter carnival

Feb 3, 2021 | 4:44 PM

In a year where trying to hold an event seems nearly impossible, Mother Nature is throwing another curve at Vernon Winter Carnival.

Wild West Carnival starts on Friday and runs through Feb. 14, and one of the big attractions is the ice palace and sculptures in Polson Park.

With February starting off with unseasonably mild temperatures — the high Tuesday Feb. 2 was nearly plus 8 Celsius — and temperatures above freezing are forecast through to Monday.

The event has been running for 61 consecutive years and the show must go on.

“It’s a little warm for my liking,” Vicki Proulx, VWC Executive Director said. “We have the ice wrapped with insulated tarps and are putting dry ice in to keep them at minus one or colder.”

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The forecast is calling for cooler temperatures next week.

Cars will drive through the park and enjoy not only the sights, but an audio story to go along with the visuals, kind of like a theme park ride.

Those wanting to participate in the event must have a vehicle as per COVID-19 health orders. The park will be open four times daily – 10:30 a.m to 12 p.m., 1 to 2:30 p.m., 3:30 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 7:30 p.m. from Feb. 5 to 14. The 6 to 7:30 p.m. drive-thru will feature the ice and displays lit up adding to the beauty of the park.

Tickets are just $10 per vehicle and can be purchased online at vernonwintercarnival.com or in-store at the Vernon Winter Carnival Office.

Polson Park will be closed to the public February 5 to 14, between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. daily, for the event.

by Kevin Rothwell

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