Hantsport Winter Carnival offers up free family fun to beat winter doldrums
The organizer of the Hantsport Winter Carnival has his fingers crossed it will snow.
Paul Morton, who is the primary organizer of the festival, said while the carnival has a mix of indoor and outdoor activities, it’s always better when there’s some snow.
In 2013, Morton first began discussing how he could revive the once-popular winter carnival. To kick off 2014, Morton launched the inaugural Hantsport Winter Carnival and it’s been going strong ever since. But in recent years, there hasn’t been much snow on the ground.
Leading up to the outdoor igloo build on Jan. 19, Morton said he hopes Mother Nature will cooperate, however, he has a back up plan. Ski Martock has agreed to provide some of the white fluffy stuff in case flurries aren’t in the forecast.
The building of the annual igloo, which involves community volunteers saving two-litre milk cartons filled with coloured ice water for months in advance, always takes place the week before the festival.
“When the igloo goes up, you know the winter carnival is right around the corner,” said Morton.
“Hopefully we will have a little bit of fresh snow. If not, we will have to count on our friends from Ski Martock.”
Morton said seeing children have fun makes the time and effort involved with organizing the festival worthwhile.
“So, the highlight for me — and for everybody I would hope — is all the stuff for the kids.”
From a scavenger hunt to a game of laser tag, from chocolate bar bingo to a snowman building competition, there is something for all ages to enjoy.
Although Jan. 25 is jam-packed with activities, Morton said the other days contain plenty of fun too.
As a special keepsake of the
2020 Hantsport Winter Carnival, Morton hopes families will participate in a do-it-yourself glass igloo suncatcher workshop.
“Friday night is going to be a special night this year. They are going to be able to go to School Street Studio Glass, and build an igloo for free,” said Morton.
The last time a suncatcher was made as part of the festival, Morton said about 160 people participated. He hopes to see as many, if not more, take part.
The final event of the festival is always the chocolate bar bingo, and Morton said he makes sure everyone walks away a winner.
“The winner will get six bars and I'll make sure everybody has a bar when they leave the premises,” said Morton, noting that activity usually draws in between 100 to 150 youth.