TYNE VALLEY, P.E.I. — It only fitting that the Tyne Valley Winter Carnival committee presents community spirit awards at the conclusion of the carnival this Sunday evening.
“We’re all about community spirit and everybody pitches in and we’re always proud to do it,” says Lisa Smith, one of the volunteers who is helping to coordinate the three-day celebration of everything winter.
The winter carnival starts off with PJs and a movie at Britannia Hall this evening (Friday) before ramping up with two activity-packed days, concluding with the Tyne Valley Pond Skate from 5:30 to 7:30 on Sunday evening.
“It seems to be the biggest thing,” Smith says of the pond skate. “Everybody enjoys getting out there and enjoying the fire.”
Baked goods supplied by area residents just add to the flavor of the evening. Winners of the snow sculpture contest, which has been underway since Jan. 26, will also be announced during the skate.
Many of the winter carnival activities, including the skate on the pond, are offered free of charge.
“Our goal is to have events for families, and people of all ages, events that are affordable and that everybody can take part with little or no cost,” Smith said. “It’s been well-received in the community and we seem to have a lot of people come from other communities as well; we’ve kind of gained a reputation of hosting really fun, family events.”
After the community went for many years without one, a Tyne Valley Oyster Festival children’s committee got the winter carnival going again in 2017. “It’s been great,” Smith said of its resurgence.
Other Winter Carnival events include a pickleball tournament at Lennox Island gym Saturday morning, a snowmobile fun run leaving from Dennis Motors, seniors Bingo at Stewart Memorial Home and outdoor activities at Green Park Saturday afternoon, a Sunday morning pancake breakfast and Sunday afternoon horse and sleigh rides.
