Fernie’s 47th annual Griz Days runs March 1 to 3 with a jam-packed schedule of exciting snowy activities to suit all ages and interests.
Community classics like the Extreme Griz Competition, Bed Race and Dummy Downhill are back on the schedule, and there are a few other activities in the works this year, including snow golf, a cold plunge, and a curling bonspiel.
Here are the highlights:
Friday
Festivities kick off on Friday March 1 at 9:30 a.m., with creative activities for children from kindergarten to grade five at the Arts Station.
Locals can watch their friends and family members bring the heat at the Rocks of Thunder Curling Bonspiel at 5:30 p.m. at the curling club. There will be multiple two-end games played.
Partiers can get their groove on at a dance party at Elks Hall at 9 p.m. with DJ Nate Taron. Attendees are encouraged to wear their best fur coats and hats.
There will be a free family swim at the Aquatic Centre that afternoon, and Griz will be up at the ski hill to take pictures.
Saturday
Events continue on Saturday March 2, starting with a $12 pancake breakfast at the Senior’s Centre from 8:30 to 11:00 a.m. Attendees must pay in cash.
Locals can challenge themselves to a game of snow golf at Fernie Golf Club from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Teams of four, pairs and singles are accepted and participation is by donation, with proceeds going to the Fernie Food Bank.
Locals can brave the Elk River’s icy waters at the Griz Cold Plunge at noon, and then head over to Mantra Spirit Studio to warm up with a hot cup of tea. The event will take place at the Dogwood Park boat launch.
The Extreme Griz Competition will take place in various locations throughout the day, starting with a pancake eating competition at 10 a.m. at the Senior’s Centre, and continuing with an obstacle course and axe throwing event at City Hall grounds at 11 a.m., a Logger Show at Station Square at 12:30 p.m., a keg toss and leg wrestling competition at Park Place Pub at 2 p.m., and a car tow at Station Square at 4 p.m. The Extreme Griz Champion will be crowned following a final surprise challenge at Station Square at 4:30 p.m.
The classic bed races are back on the schedule. Five-person teams will race the downtown streets on rickety bed frames at 2:30 p.m. The fastest group will win Tempur-Pedic Pro Align pillows.
Cranbrook rock band Pretty For the People will take to the stage at Station Square at 8 p.m., with a display of fireworks at intermission.
Sunday
The Raging Elk Dummy Downhill is a time-honoured Griz Days tradition that will take place on Sunday March 3 at 1 p.m. Locals launch hand-crafted “dummies” off jumps at the ski hill to see which can make it the farthest without collapsing, and their creations are judged based on design, creativity and flying distance. The entry fee is $20 and will go towards charity.
For the full list of events and activities visit www.ferniegrizdays.com.