Celebrate winter in Fitzroy with carnival this weekend

Posted Jan 26, 2012 By Theresa Fritz

EMC Events - With a fresh dumping of snow on the ground, the time has come to celebrate winter in Fitzroy Harbour.

From tonight (Jan. 26) to Jan. 29, the community plays host to the annual Fitzroy Winter Carnival. A number of indoor and outdoor events have been organized in and around the Fitzroy Harbour Community Centre.

"There is a full schedule of activities planned for the weekend," said Lacey Dolan, one of Fitzroy Harbour Communication Association members helping organize the event, adding some activities may depend on weather.

Events planned include a spaghetti dinner, family skating, chili contest, youth dance, shinny hockey challenge, and much more.

The fun begins Thursday, Jan. 26 with the Arnprior Wrestling Club is hosting a spaghetti dinner in the community centre from 5-7 p.m. Public skating on the outdoor rink takes place from 6-7 p.m.

Young people will be able to get together between 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the youth drop-in at The Connexion Lounge -admission $2. From 7-8 p.m., those 12 will play shinny hockey and under and from 8-10 p.m. it is shinny for everyone else.

On Friday, Jan. 27, carpet bowling will be played in the community centre from 1-3 p.m. This will also be an open house so everyone is welcome.

Registration for Texas Hold'Em poker will take place at 6 p.m. with poker starting at 7 p.m. The cost to take part is $20.

Enjoy some family fun from 6:30-8 p.m. with a family skating party and bonfire.

Youth activities cap off the night with a Black Light Dance hosted by Youth Connexion from 7:30-9:30 p.m. This is open to young people from Grades 5-8 p.m. and costs $7.

The carnival's biggest day will be Saturday, Jan. 28. Enjoy a tasty pancake breakfast at 9 a.m. The cost is $4 for children under 11 and $6 for adults. This is a fundraiser for The Connexion Lounge.

Also starting at 9 a.m. is the Fitzroy five kilometre winter edition run.

From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the outdoor hockey league games will be played on the outdoor rink. At 9 a.m., the 3 Pitch Sno-Pitch Tournament (call 613-622-7919 to register a team) will be held outside. From 10 a.m. to noon, kids crafts will be done inside the community centre.

Anyone taking part in the chili contest can drop off entries at 11 a.m. with the tasting beginning at 11:30 a.m. and going until 1 p.m. in the community centre. Tasting is $3 per person.

At 1 p.m., the Fitzroy shinny jamboree takes place for anyone 16 years of age or over. Teams must consist of six members and a minimum of two girls on the ice at all times. Helmets are mandatory for this event. Contact Dolan at 613-622-7919 to enter a team. Cost is a donation.

Family bingo takes place at 12:30 p.m. in the community centre and it is only one dollar to play. From 2-3 p.m., enjoy a family skate and the Connexion Lounge will be open from 1:30-4 p.m. for those aged nine to 15.

From 2-4 p.m., enjoy live folk and bluegrass music by Tom Conners in the community hall.

At 3 p.m., the Survivorman Outdoor Challenge will be held. Dolan said this is a fun event, which draws participants as well as spectators.

The annual Trivia Challenge will take place Saturday night at the community centre with registration on site. Teams of six are required to participate.

Enjoy the great outdoors Sunday, Jan. 29 with some cross-country skiing. Meet at Fitzroy Provincial Park main office at 1 p.m.

theresa.fritz@metroland.com