Celebrate Winter Time in Pemberton During Winterfest!
Winterfest takes everything that makes Pemberton the community we love so much and jams it all into three days of free activities. All this is due to the diligent planning and commitment to fun of the Spirit of BC, Pemberton Valley Committee. These folks meet monthly year-round to coordinate and plan Winterfest each year.
Kudos to community spirit - Especially when it involves a Polar Bear Plunge, eating S'Mores outdoors, bonfires, fireworks and live music!
Pemberton Shines During Winterfest
Coming in less than one month, Winterfest will overtake Pemberton January 22, 23 and 24th whether or not the weather is wintry cold. This year, thanks to the creation of the Downtown Community Barn, events will be held regardless of the weather. There are, in fact, two schedules made up: one for a very frozen One Mile Lake, and one for less-than-perfectly frozen conditions. Check our events page for both eventualities.
Just north of Whistler but a world away, Pemberton embodies old fashioned charm and the true community that can only happen in a village like ours (or so we'd like to think). It is pretty special what we've got here, though, and we so enjoy sharing that special something with everyone - so, while Winterfest will bring out most of our community, there's ample room for visitors as well. Take a look at the Winterfest website for instructions on "How to Winterfest" for information on shuttles, parking, and other valuable "how tos".
Polar Bear Plunge - No Matter What the Weather
One highlight of the Winterfest is the annual Polar Bear Plunge. This will take place no matter what the weather, so be prepared to join in if you so desire.
Things to know about the Polar Bear Plunge:
- Prizes for best costume!
- No, alcohol will not help :) In fact, drinking can speed up hypothermia making this a very dangerous idea.
- Hot chocolate is available afterward - Grab one as soon as you get out of the water.
- Dogs are not invited to participate. Sorry.
- Kids need to stay with an adult at all times.
- The Polar Bear Plunge is FREE :)
- If you have health concerns, don't fret - We need and love our cheering squad.
Not All Events are Adventurous
Winterfest keeps growing each year, adding more and more to the lineup of fabulous community spirit-minded activities - including a Disco Glow Party (downtown barn schedule only)! And not only that, there is also a family film screening, as well as live music.
So if you're not too excited about the ice skating, shinny, or plunging in ice cold water but still want to join in this awesome community event, take heart and participate in the selection of equally fun but slightly more sedentary events.
There will also be chances to warm up by the bon fire throughout the festival, as well as fireworks over One Mile Lake and graffiti snow painting, too. So much to do over these three days. Come out and sample as many activities as you are able to.
Image Credit: Dave Steers
Posted: Tuesday, January 05, 2016
