Sunnidale Winterama is celebrating 50 years of fun in the snow
Winter fun and friendly competition has made Sunnidale Winterama a heart- warming tradition in New Lowell for five decades.
The event returns this year from Jan. 31 to Feb. 2 with fireworks, games, comedy, beards, bed races, good food and much more.
The charming event offers activities for all ages and encourages the community to come together at the coldest time of the year.
“I don’t know of many small town winter carnivals that have been going that long,” said volunteer Chuck Arrand. “We are doing everything we can to make this the best Winterama yet.”
Arrand said this year’s event will pay tribute to local traditions and brings back long-time favourites. On this golden anniversary, the community is encouraged to share memories of past events – a special invitation is going out this year to past snow queens who will have a featured float in the parade on Saturday.
The Friday night line-up begins with the firefighters’ spaghetti supper at New Lowell Legion from 4:30 p.m., where the winners of the beard contest will be announced at 6:30 p.m., followed by the burning of the green, and the “coolest” fireworks around. Capping off the evening is a new Winterama trivia night at the Legion from 8:30 p.m.
Saturday’s activities begin with a pancake breakfast from 8 a.m., followed by a craft show, silent auction at the fire hall, parade, bed races, opening ceremonies, tart contest (which has been expanded this year to include three categories), progressive euchre, and wraps up with Wings and Hilarious Things Comedy Night with Den of Hilarities. The Legion kitchen opens at 6 p.m. for wing night and comedy starts at 9 p.m.
Winterama continues Sunday with a big breakfast starting at 9 a.m., followed by the Morgan Taylor Snowmobile Fun Run.
Admission to most of the contests and activities is included with the purchase of a $2 Winterama button, available on-site. The buttons have been a popular collector’s item since 1975. Throughout January, the community is invited to get a jump on Winterama activities by participating in the colouring and poster contests for elementary school students and a snow sculpture contest (top two winners will be announced at the spaghetti supper). Most of the scheduled activities take place at New Lowell Recreation Park, and the Legion, with participation from the United Church and the library. All event details, prices, locations and registration info is online at www. discoverclearview.ca.
Sponsors and donors are needed for the fireworks. The Friends of Winterama committee is looking to increase fundraising to cover the rising costs of hosting the event, including the Friday night fireworks. To contribute, email Amanda Murray for details at amurray@clearview.ca. Charitable tax receipts for individuals donating more than $25.
File photo: Winterama Willie walks in the 2024 parade.