From February 4 to 13, there is a fabulous winter carnival in Vernon, BC. This particular winter carnival has been happening since 1961, although there were a few winter carnivals beginning in 1893 until the city decided to make it a regular yearly event.

There are so many things to see and do, we highly recommend visiting the Vernon Winter Carnival at least once during its 10-day spread. There is, for example, a Snow Sculpture Symposium on Silver Star Mountain, a parade on Saturday, February 5, and SnoGolf on Sunday, February 6, at Coldstream Golf Course, just to name a few events.

The Winter Carnival is very important for the local economy and is sponsored by many of the local businesses. Some of the sponsors include Black Press’s The Morning Star, KalTire, Caufields Engraving, Wayne Emde Photography, Cotton’s Chocolate, Okanagan Military Tattoo, and Bertelsen Plumbing Ltd. Because of the generosity of the sponsors, many of the carnival events have prizes.

There is a busy schedule of events that will appeal to every age group from small children to seniors. There is even a pre-carnival School Poster Contest. Some other events include a Chili Cook Off, a Carnival of Lights, a raffle, and a Snow Much Fun Photo Contest.

There is a website with a lot of information, including how and where to buy tickets to different events. It’s also possible to volunteer at the carnival if that interests you. If you live in or near the Vernon area, you really should go and enjoy some of the exciting parts of the carnival. It goes on for 10 days. And don’t worry, those making the carnival happen will be following all the COVID-19 provincial rules required. Don’t forget your mask for indoor events!

The Hamlets at Vernon is an assisted-living and long-term care community in Vernon, BC, Canada. Designed to take the worry out of senior retirement home living and following the tenets of Christianity, The Hamlets at Vernon offers compassionate care in a beautiful environment.