The District of Elkford hosted its annual Winter in the Wild event last weekend, with numerous events scheduled for families and locals of all ages.
Despite the mild weather resulting in less snow, the district’s Program and Marketing Coordinator Chantel Dawson said, “We weren’t nervous at all. We can always make it work and we always have a back up.”
Dawson added, “It was absolutely a successful event despite the weather. Everything went off just as we had planned, just without snow.”
Among some of the activities were a pancake breakfast, the annual sno-ball tournament, public skating and swimming, a turkey toss and a Terrifically Tacky Toque competition that invited locals to wear their most ridiculous headwear.
Included in the weekend's festivities was a preschool pizza/dance party.
“It’s a huge family event, lots of families and young kids,” noted Dawson. “A lot of the activities are family-oriented and that’s a big part of it.”
Dawson, however, stressed that the success of the event was due to the efforts of the community.
“[Winter in the Wild] is always a huge success and, largely in part, due to our volunteers in the community,” said Dawson. “The credit for the event really goes to the volunteer groups in town that come out. We just oversee them and provide them with any assistance they need as well as some advertising. But the event would not be what it is without those volunteer groups.”
The list of volunteer groups included Wapiti Ski Club, Elkford Public Library, the Elk Valley Air Cadets, the Elkford Curling Club and many more.
Fireworks sponsored by the district and Elkford Fire Rescue capped off the event.
Dawson said she hopes next year, the event will be accompanied by more snow.