REDVERS - Redvers hosted its eighth annual Winterfest on Dec. 14, and committee members Kaylenn Gaudet, Samantha Matthewson, Jena Cowen and Kendra Miller are incredibly pleased with how it turned out.
The day began with magician Sitrick James. Committee member Kendra Miller said he was very entertaining and kept the kids involved by having them come on stage and help with the acts. The children loved it.
The Redvers branch of the Royal Canadian Legion hosted a successful trade show with many people looking for that last-minute item, and lunch was served there as well throughout the day.
The curling rink was filled with bouncy castles and a huge 40-foot by 40-foot corn maze.
“Kids were running around in there all day, it was amazing,” said Miller.
There were plenty of things to do for the kids and they were well entertained, with a colouring contest, scavenger hunt and crafts. Miller said there were lineups at all the kids' events, which also included face painting, temporary tattoos, and hair tinsel. Many of the children's activities were at the Golden Age Centre.
They also offered tractor rides, adult paint classes and cookie decorating. There was something for everyone to enjoy.
The Redvers Fire Department had an obstacle course set up where people could try their hand at knocking down a door and running with the fire hoses.
At the rink, there was a stock car display. Several cars were present, and children had the opportunity to sit in one, which they thought was pretty cool.
The skating rink was another popular place, as kids were able to skate with the Redvers Rockets, which was a big highlight to the kids.
“Kids loved skating with their favourite player and having their picture taken,” said Miller.
Santa Claus was the most popular attraction, with over 200 kids having photos taken with him and telling him their wants for Christmas. Santa and Mrs. Claus stayed all day and strolled the streets, watching out for the Grinch, who was also on the loose.
Floor hockey was hosted at the school gymnasium and crowds of kids came to play this game, showing their skills at the game.
At the end of the afternoon, the scavenger hunt cards were handed in for a winner and the colouring contest champion was selected.
As people began to wind down, a bonfire was held by the firefighters at the corner of Broadway and Railway, and hot chocolate was served.
Supper at the curling rink, with a young singer from Langbank entertaining the crowd with Christmas carols.
The parade had several floats light up the night as crowds lined the streets, but the Grinch had to be watched as she tried to steal as much candy from the kids as possible.
Raffle tickets were sold all day and the draw for the basket was held at the Memory Tree ceremony.
The day ended with the Rockets defeating the Carlyle Cougars 4-3 in an exciting Big Six Hockey League game.
Miller said the day was excellent and she feels the great weather was a big factor as well. There were so many people, the streets were buzzing with happiness and festive excitement.
