MANITOUWADGE — Frosty Days is back with some favourite activities for everyone during the upcoming long weekend.
The weekend officially kicks off on Friday at 6:30 p.m. up at the Kiwissa ski hill, where the Frosty Days opening ceremonies will take place, and this year’s citizen of the year recipient will be revealed. Following the ceremony, folks are invited to enjoy some refreshments around the bonfire, or head up onto the slopes. The ski hill will be open all weekend for sliding and skiing fun.
There’s a Family Fun Skate on Friday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., and again on Monday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is a donation to the Manitouwadge food bank. While at the rec centre, people can pick up a colouring contest sheet from the Manitouwadge Public Library, between Monday and Feb. 21.
Also on Friday, join the folks at the Golden Age Centre for their chili dinner and trivia night. Dinner starts at 5 p.m. and the cost is $15 per person.
Saturday starts early with the Bethany Pentecostal church’s free pancake breakfast from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. There’s a hot dog lunch at the Golden Age club at noon. Following lunch, there will be a fun marshmallow snowman making contest.
Speaking of snow related contests, the annual snow sculpture contest already has folks and their families out in the wintry sunshine, building their icy creations. Entries must be registered by Wednesday to qualify for prizes, with $200 in Manitouwadge extreme dollars for first place. The winners will be announced on Saturday afternoon at 3 p.m. at Kiwissa ski hill.
Sunday morning brings yet another day of frost and sunshine, and fish. Registration for the Manitouwadge Outdoor Enthusiasts club’s annual family fun fish derby by 9 a.m. Hole drilling will be provided if needed. There’s a barbecue at noon, but the last fish must be off the ice and registered by 4 p.m. There is no license required for this event, as it is the Ontario free fishing weekend.
Frosty Days would not be complete without the MNHS Athletic Association’s Cardboard Box races. Strict rules govern the construction of the sleds, which must be made with only cardboard, string, garbage bags, duct tape, and a little paint for pizzaz. Sleds can be registered at the event before noon, or call (807) 826-3241 for early registration. There is a $10 entry fee for each sled. The races begin on Sunday at 1 p.m.
Sunday evening features a family-friendly dance at the rec centre from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Entry fee is a donation to the food bank.
More information is available on the Township of Manitouwadge's community calendar or in the February edition of The Boreal newsletter.