Celebrate Winter in Barrie!
Come and celebrate winter with us and enjoy all that Barrie and the surrounding area has to offer! Our community enjoys skiing and snowboarding on several nearby ski hills, ice-fishing, snowmobiling, snow-shoeing, skating and more. Join us this weekend, February 2nd & 3rd, 2013 for Winterfest & Festival of Ice presented by The City of Barrie.
Take a closer look at winter in Barrie with The Mark Faris Team Barrie Winter video, showing many of the activities you can enjoy at Winterfest, including the daring polar-bear swim, the lumberjack show, ice sculptures and more. Also, this year’s visitors are in for a special treat celebrating the Toronto Argonauts winning the 100th Grey Cup! The Cup makes a stop at Barrie Winterfest on Saturday from 10:00-2:00pm, where you can also have your picture taken.
WINTERFEST & FESTIVAL OF ICE 2013
Named one of the Top 100 Festivals in Ontario, Winterfest is a great way to celebrate the winter season with adventures that the whole family will enjoy. Outdoor activities include a polar bear swim, horse-drawn wagon rides, dogsled rides, mini-tube run, lumberjack shows, giant snow slide, ice maze, and more.
The Festival of Ice features 300 pound blocks of ice carved into spectacular, themed sculptures. The February Blues Festival features great music in venues throughout Barrie and neighbouring communities. The Barrie Film Festival presents thought-provoking films at the Reel Stories Film Series. Warm up at the MacLaren with a tour of the gallery and fun family activities. The Barrie Public Library celebrates with storytime and drop-in crafts. The community comes alive with winter fun and celebration. Don’t miss these fun activities and more throughout the weekend!
Outdoor Fun
Saturday & Sunday – 10:00am to 5:00pm
Ice maze – Sponsored by Allstate Insurance Company Barrie
Horse-drawn wagon rides – Sponsored by Near North Customs Brokers
Snow sculpture & slides (weather permitting)
Dog sled rides ($2 per person, weather permitting) – Sponsored by Days Inn Barrie
Simcoe County Museum
Snow Valley’s mini tube slide
Mini golf – Sponsored by PowerStream
BodyZorbs (Saturday only, 11:00am to 5:00pm)
Helicopter rides – $50 per person
Scouts winter cookout ($)
Winter midway ($)
Variety of food vendors ($)
BeaverTail eating contest
Festival of Ice
Saturday 10:00am to 9:00pm, Sunday 10:00am to 5:00pm
Marvel at artistic masterpieces carved out of three hundred pound blocks of ice by professional carvers. This year’s icy wonderland theme is Classic Games featuring childhood favourites larger than life. Check out the cool creations spectacularly lit at night at a special viewing on Saturday evening. The Festival of Ice is sponsored by Downtown Barrie.
Lumberjack Show
Saturday & Sunday – 12:00pm, 1:30pm, and 3:00pm
Watch expert lumberjacks demonstrate their incredible skills – speed sawing, axe throwing, and chainsaw carving. Sponsored by Napoleon Fireplaces & Grills.
The Grey Cup
Saturday – 10:00am to 2:00pm
Celebrate the Toronto Argonauts winning the 100th Grey Cup as the Cup makes a stop at Barrie Winterfest! Have your picture taken with the Cup and meet an Argos Cheerleader. (Weather permitting)
Information courtesy of City of Barrie:
http://www.barrie.ca/Culture/Festivals/Pages/Winterfest.aspx