On Feb. 8 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Fort Steele Heritage Town will be hosting an all-ages event to raise money for local children with cancer. Wagon rides, tug-o-wars, sack races, fishing-themed games and crafts as well as a movie will be some of the activities at the event. It will also feature events for adults, offering a silent auction and 50/50 draw. There will be hot food and Tim Hortons coffee available by donation.
Another year of unpredictable weather has caused the annual Family Day event to be moved to Fort Steele. Junior Chair International Kootenay’s decision came because of uncertain ice conditions. The event will feature many of the same activities, prizes and fun that have been seen in previous years.
After a visit to Horseshoe Lake, there was enough ice for a person to walk on but the ice was considered unsafe for the event and the amount of people it draws.
“It’s not a fun decision to make,” says Derby Marketing and Communications Lead Mike Matejka. “However, the safety of the participants and the desire to guarantee an event that will raise money for kids with cancer makes it an easier choice. We have to action our backup plan with enough lead time, and we can’t take into account weather forecasts that may or may not improve the ice situation.”
Proceeds of the event will be distributed by the Canadian Cancer Society, and will focus on providing the funding needed for expenditures related to travel, services and accommodations for treatments. Children across the Kootenay area that are faced with cancer will also be entered into a draw for a Disneyland vacation, donated by Dacota Freight, or a Sunshine Houseboats vacation on Lake Koocanusa.
If tickets have been purchased for the Ice Fishing Derby, they can be used for the Family Fun Derby. Tickets will be available at Fort Steele Heritage Town leading up to the event and are $5 for children under 16 and seniors, and an adult ticket is $10.