CARROT RIVER — With provincial pandemic restrictions lifted, a number of Carrot River winter events are returning this month with Carrot River’s Winter Finale.
“It’s time to have fun and socialize again,” said Miranda Blaber, Carrot River's community development manager. “It’s important to come together as a community and have some good times together supporting each other and supporting local businesses.”
The full schedule of the Friday, March 18 to Sunday, March 20 event can be found on the Carrot River and District Recreation Board's Facebook page.
Snow Sculpting
After registering by calling the town at 306-768-3833, Blaber said the snow sculptors can begin Monday, March 14, to allow people to sculpt at their own pace.
On March 19 at noon, Roman Charko, Carrot River’s mayor, will be visiting all the registered locations and selecting a winter. The map will be made shareable on the Carrot River & District Recreation Board Facebook page and the town’s recreation department website at rec.carrotriver.ca.
Colour is allowed to be added to the sculptures.
“Everybody has got tons of snow in their yard right now, so we figured what a great year to try it. If they want to, we also have some extra paint at the arena.”
The map is expected to be made available March 18, pending registrations.
Full Moon Snowshoe
The Full Moon Showshoe is an activity which has been organized by the town for a number of years, but Blaber said this full moon on March 18 made it perfect for inclusion into the festival for the final snowshoe of the season.
During the event, members of the public can meet up at the entry of the Rifle Range Trail head at 8 p.m.
“We snowshoe as a group, it’s a really fun experience especially for people who have never gone out doing winter evening activities – they really enjoy it.”
Those interested in attending can call the town office at 306-768-3833.
Up to 12 pairs of snowshoes may be borrowed in advance from the town. Due to the limited quantity and first come first serve basis, Blaber suggests people phoning earlier that day to ensure their availability before coming in to pick them up.
Carrot River Trade Show
The Carrot River Trade Show is a return to tradition, after missing the 2020 event due to the pandemic, requiring the 2021 event to be held online. This year the event will be back in person at the Carrot River Community Hall.
The 2022 event will take place on March 18 from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m. and March 19 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. There is no entry fee.
Vendors interested in attending can call 306-768-3833. Blaber said the funds received from vendor fees are put back into covering the annual trade show.
“Carrot River Economic Development are the initiators behind it,” Blaber said. “They initiated it to show off businesses local and in the region, and one of their mandates is to keep the cost of participation low. If we make any money through this event it just goes back into event expenses.”
29th Annual Chainsaw Competition
A classic returns for the 29th year on March 19, organized by the C.R. Chainsaw Committee.
Registration will be held that morning at the Co-op from 11 a.m. until noon with a $10 fee. Little Loggers Kids Class will be held with pre-registration required for ages 12 and under.
Blaber said spectators can expect a fun and engaging experience.
“There are a variety of classes you can choose. You can choose classes where they provide you with a saw, or if you have your own chainsaw you can bring that in and participate in the professional’s class. You can win some great prizes including new chainsaws.”
Skate Carrot River Showcase
In this part of the festival, the public can enjoy the performances from Carrot River’s own figure skaters at the arena from 1 to 3 p.m.
“You’re going to see our young athletes,” Blaber said.
“Our skate club members work all year long on their skating technique, and their performance and their routines and it often comes together for competition and this showcase. At the end of the season they will come out and perform and show off all of the skills they have learned.”
Men’s Curling Bonspiel
The Men’s Curling Bonspiel will be held over the three days, beginning on March 18 at 4 p.m. in the Carrot River Curling Rink. Team entries may be phoned to 306-768-2404.
On the second day of the competition, a $5 a tray rib night will be held at 7:30 p.m., and following that an auction begins at 9 p.m.
“If you register for the bonspiel you’re in for the whole thing, however general spectators can come and go as they please and it’s open to the public Saturday evening to come and enjoy the auction and rib night.”
