Pakenham Frost Festival to be heaps of fun, Bundle up and enjoy week-long festivities for the whole family
Posted Jan 19, 2012 By Tara GesnerEMC Events - The weather may be cold and icy, but the fun experience of the annual Pakenham Frost Festival will keep spirits warm.
From Jan. 21 to Jan. 29, the festival, sponsored by the Pakenham Civitan Club, offers a full week of frosty activities for the young, and the young at heart.
It's a celebration of all things snow and ice, and it's a great opportunity for folks to get outdoors and have some laughs with family and friends, said organizer Mike Ryan.
"People really enjoy the Pakenham Frost Festival, it's like a reunion," he continued. "Everyone comes together. We are a small community and there's such a great spirit."
Year after year, in the region of 1,000 people take part in the events.
Ryan is confident 2012 will be another successful year for the winter carnival.
All proceeds raised by way of the Pakenham Frost Festival go back to the community. Over the last few years more than $40,000 has been handed out.
LOTS TO DO
Once again, festival festivities start early this year. On Saturday, Jan. 21, local girls aged 14 to 18 compete for the title of Miss Pakenham 2012, concluding Jenna Barr's reign. For more information, contact Tanya Giles at 613-624-5510.
"Holding the crowning early offers the winner an opportunity to attend more of the festival's events," said Ryan.
Three days later, on Tuesday, Jan. 24, activities resume with a Ski Night at Mount Pakenham. A discount on rentals and lifts can be obtained by using the secret code 'This is the First Night of Frost Festival'.
Mount Pakenham has everything you need to enjoy winter fun: skiing, snowboarding, tubing and more. For details, call 613-624-5290.
Eyes down for a fantastic Bingo Night on Wednesday, Jan. 25. The popular game takes place inside the Pakenham Public School gymnasium. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
There is no entry fee, but participants must purchase bingo cards. For additional details, call 613-623-3823.
Euchre Night returns Jan. 26 to the gymnasium at Pakenham Public School, beginning at 7 p.m. Call 613-624-5490 for specifics.
Later in the evening Thursday, running 8 p.m. to 1 a.m., a Broomball Pub takes place in the upper hall of the Stewart Community Centre.
Broomballers from all over the world will showcase their skills on Ottawa Valley ice this year (Oct. 29 to Nov. 3) at the World Broomball Championships.
The Frost Festival blasts into full speed on Friday, Jan. 27 - opening night - beginning with a Pre-Teen Dance at Pakenham Public School from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. For particulars, call Bernie or Karen Ryan at 613-623-8831.
From 5 to 7 p.m. in community centre's Upper Hall, enjoy a "delicious" spaghetti supper. The cost for adults is $10, while children aged 12 and under pay $5. For further information, call 613-624-5496.
From 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., everyone is invited to participate in the public skate at the MacFarlane Street arena. There will be a children's costume contest, races, prizes and more.
Long-time resident Marion Barr officially opens the Pakenham Frost Festival Friday night - just prior to a Junior B games between the Almonte Thunder and Arnprior Packers.
"Marion is a caring, wonderful and giving person, a pleasant resident of our village of Pakenham," said Ryan. "She will participate in hockey game's ceremonial face-off, along with the two captains."
The puck drops at 8 p.m. Tickets are available at the door.
"Singing the national anthem will be Lindsay Frechette," said Ryan.
A great way to finish the night is the pub at the Pakenham Curling Club, running 9 to 11 p.m. Enjoy euchre, crokinole, food and more. The cost is $5.
On Jan. 28 (Saturday), festival-goers will be busy from morning until bedtime, starting with a Shanty Breakfast (7 to 11 a.m.) in the Upper Hall of the Stewart Community Centre. Come early for a seat.
"Due to rising costs there will be no entertainment at this event," explained Ryan.
In regards to events for children Saturday (weather permitting), watch for posters in the Upper Hall, the organizer advised.
Registration for the Snowmobile Rally runs from 9 to 10 a.m. at the Fire Hall. For information, call 613-720-9294.
The Winter Warm-Up Pub is open in the upper hall, commencing at 2 p.m.
Saturday night, the "popular" Pub Night returns - featuring special guest Mike O'Reilly (Cecil Wiggins).
O'Reilly is an Ottawa Valley Country Music Hall of Fame inductee. Eight times he was voted Entertainer of the Year by the Canadian Bluegrass Society, in addition to DJ of the Year five times and Composer of the Year four times.
O'Reilly hosted Rural Roots on CJET County Classics radio for years and appeared on CJOH's Midday Newsline.
"He's back by popular demand," said Ryan. "He keeps everyone laughing."
Doors open at 7 p.m. Entertainment at 8 p.m. is provided by the Ryans, and John O'Neill is back with his bake auction. Pub tickets are $12.50 and available at Nicholson's Sundries.
"John lives near Kinburn, but he's very well known this way," said Ryan. "He's a great person, and adds excitement to the auction. We can't thank him enough for all his help over the years."
For NHL fans, Hockey Night in Canada will be on the big screen.
On Sunday, Jan. 29, events begin at 10:30 a.m. with the Ecumenical Service at St. Mark's Anglican Church. The service is followed by a lunch. All are welcome.
Organizers invite guests to stay for Pakenham's Past in Pictures and Poetry, which takes place at 1 p.m. For more details, call 613-623-3823.
"Many people have never seen old pictures of the village, and the poetry is by some of our great residents," said Ryan.
"Some of it (poetry) has never been published."
Shinny Hockey for those aged 14 and under takes place on the outdoor skating rink (beside the arena). All players must wear a helmet. The event goes from 1 to 4 p.m. To register your team, call 613-624-5925.
Ryan is hoping for cold temperatures throughout the festival.
From 1 to 4 p.m., enjoy tobogganing and hot chocolate at the golf course, compliments of Pakenham Highlands.
The Pakenham Civitan Club thanks all of the merchants in and around the village for supporting the 2012 Pakenham Frost Festival.
tgesner@perfprint.ca
blog comments powered by Disqus
