Has it been a decade already?
Deputy Mayor Gord Wauchope says it may be hard to believe but yes, indeed, Innisfil’s popular Winterfest event is heading into its 10th year the weekend of Feb. 22, 23 and 24, sponsored by the Innisfil Community Events Corporation (ICECORP).
Involved since the start, Wauchope says, “I guess we started doing it to get the winter blahs over and done with and to build some community spirit.”
Winterfest began modestly with a few snowmobile races over the frozen expanses of Cook’s Bay. The next year, a polar bear dip was added.
Nowadays, the polar bear dip has become the highlight of the weekend with between 30 to 40 hardy participants.
“This year, Mayor Doug White of Bradford West Gwillimbury is jumping in,” Wauchope says. “He’ll get the shock of his life!”
The fun begins the evening of Friday, Feb. 22 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. with a Family Skate at the ‘Red’ rink at the new recreational centre in Barclay. An admission fee of $2 per skater will be charged.
The Innisfil Lions Club will serve up a pancake breakfast on Saturday, Feb. 23 from 8 a.m. to noon at their clubhouse on Innisfil Beach Road.
The annual Mayor’s Tyke Hockey Challenge is held on Saturday, too, with the final matches being played on Sunday morning.
“Weather permitting, we’ll have radar runs (for snowmobiles) on the lake Saturday,” Wauchope says.
Stroud’s Stormfront band will be featured at Saturday night’s comedy show and dance at the Stroud Recreation Centre. Comedians Mark Walker, Johnny Gardhouse and Dana Alexander will take the stage. Advance tickets are $25 each and available at People’s Credit Union in Stroud and Sobey’s in Alcona. A buffet and light refreshments are part of the admission price.
On Sunday at 1 p.m., weather permitting, skydivers from the Skydive Toronto club near Cookstown will demonstrate their skills.
The invigorating polar bear dip is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. at the beach in Innisfil Beach Park.
Proceeds from paid events, as well as pledges collected from the dippers, will go towards the Innisfil Recreational Centre.
There’s no admission charge to any of the park events and Wauchope urges one and all to
“Come on out and enjoy yourself.”
Today's Weather 
Clear and 8°C
Clear and 8°C
