KINKORA, P.E.I. – When winter weather hits it’s hard to justify getting outdoors, but community members from Kinkora are hoping a carnival full of fun will change things.
“Winter’s the hardest season to get outside and be active and socialize. It seems easier in the warmer months. We have a summer festival in the community, so why not a winter one too,” said Amanda Lefurgey McCarville.
This year marks the second annual Kinkora Winter Carnival, which runs from Jan. 23 to 27.
“We have a small committee planning the events. There are four of us as well as administrators from the community council,” said organizer Sarah Montgomery.
Last year was a great event, when the weather co-operated, said Montgomery.
“We changed our timeline this year. We had it in March in 2018, so it was funny when we had to cancel our outdoor events because it was too nice out.”
Last year, the biggest event was the community bingo.
“It was absolutely packed here," said Montgomery. "There was a significant crowd. People really had a great time and there were so many families out here. That’s the point of this carnival, to bring people together."
This year’s event also features a seniors’ card party, beach-themed dance, sleigh rides, bonfires, snowshoeing and more.
Carnival Schedule:
- Jan. 23: Seniors’ Card Party – 1:30 to 4 p.m. at Kinkora Place
- Jan. 25: Family Bingo – 6:30 p.m. at Kinkora Place
- Jan. 26: Kids indoor day – 1 to 3 p.m. at Kinkora Place
- Jan. 26: Beach themed dance – 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Kinkora Place
- Jan. 27: Pancake breakfast – 9 a.m. to noon
- Jan. 27: Outdoor family day – 1 to 3 p.m. *weather permitting*
“Some events have set admission fees, but most are by donation. All of the monies collected will support the community, as well as a portion to the Children’s Wish Foundation. With this event-packed week, we also wanted to support our surrounding community, so we’ll also be collecting donations for the South Shore Food Bank,” said McCarville. “We’re a tiny community, but we want this big event to showcase community participation.”
Last year’s event acted as a pilot project with learning opportunities. McCarville said this year will be the same, encouraging attendees to provide feedback in order to expand the carnival in future years.
For full details go to the 2nd Annual Kinkora Winter Carnival Facebook page.
