Skip to content

New Year’s Day fireworks launch winter activities at Sylvan Lake

Free family skate, polar dip and Winterfest to be held
web1_File-photo-Sylvan-Lake-Fireworks-
Winterfest will end with a fireworks display from the pier along Lakeshore Drive on the evening of Jan. 1.

A fireworks display will light up Sylvan Lake on New Year’s Day, launching 2017 winter activities at the resort town.

Michelle Houle, special events co-ordinator for the Town of Sylvan Lake, said fun family events are being planned throughout January and February — starting with the Sunday, Jan. 1, New Year’s Day celebration.

Fireworks will be seen over the lake from 7 p.m., capping off what could be a day of outdoor skating, skiing, and ice fishing. (Spectators are urged to safely stay at least 500 metres away from the firing zone at the end of the pier).

On Sunday, Jan. 22, a brand-new free Family Skating and Sledding Party will be held for all ages from 1-4 p.m. at Leader Hill, at the corner of Lakeway Boulevard and Memorial Drive.

Special guests will be brought in for the afternoon: Elsa, Anna, Olaf and Kristoff from the movie Frozen, will greet kids. Families can enjoy a bonfire, hot chocolate and s’mores. Donations for the food bank will be accepted.

Sylvan Lake’s biggest winter festival, Winterfest, will run Friday through Family Day Monday, Feb. 17-20. The highlight will be the spine-chilling Polar Bear Dip on Saturday, Feb. 18.

Brave souls from across the province will gather in their bathing suits at 1 p.m. on the west side of the pier to take the plunge into ice-cold water. There’s a $20 pre-registration fee and participants must have raised at least $100 for a charity of their choice. Forms are available from www.sylvanlake.ca.

Other Winterfest activities will be held throughout the community. The Town of Sylvan Lake’s Recreation and Culture office is now signing up groups to host indoor and outdoor family and kids’ events during that weekend. Anyone interested can call 403-887-2199.

Winterfest will end with another fireworks display from the pier.