HURON COUNTY – After three days of snow squalls in Huron County, the community of Goderich is ready to banish the winter blahs with a weekend of fun.
Its annual Winterfest starts tonight with a night walk through the Maitland Woods, lit by hand-crafted lanterns hung in trees and fixed to stumps along the path. Then there’s a long list of favourite events that have been developed over its history, from bowling to chili cooking, children’s theatre to crafting.
Here’s a listing of Winterfest events and other activities taking place across the county this weekend:
Friday
Lesson and Dance, Blyth
Date: Friday, Feb. 1, from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Location: Blyth East Side Dance Studio, 273 Hamilton St.
Description: Every Friday night features a lesson in one Ballroom or Latin Dance. The lesson is taught with beginners in mind and is 45 minutes long. Stay and dance the rest of the evening. Cost is $5 per person. Feel free to drop in. No need to pre-register.
Winterfest – Rotary Youth Dance, Goderich – CANCELLED
Due to poor weather conditions. Stayed tuned for an announcement on a future date.
Winterfest – Candlelight Walk, Goderich
Date: Friday, Feb. 1, from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Location: Maitland Woods, starting from Knights of Columbus parking lot, 390 Parsons Court.
Description: Maitland Woods 3/4 – 1 hour. The Maitland Trail Association organizes this annual event as part of the Town of Goderich’s Winter Festival, and it is always a magical adventure. A 1-km portion of the trail in the Maitland Woods will be transformed by the flickering beauty of candlelight. After the walk, come in to enjoy a cup of hot cider or cocoa and a cookie (coin donation).
Saturday
Big Brothers Big Sisters Annual Indoor Yard Sale, Exeter
Date: Saturday, Feb. 2, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: Trivitt Memorial Anglican Church, 388 Main St. S.
Description: It’s a classic yard sale, with everything from books and furniture to toys and dishware.
Winterfest – Early Years Warm-Up, Goderich
Date: Saturday, Feb. 2, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Location: Goderich Public School, 125 Blake St. (Park on Bennett St. come in the door by Early Years sign.)
Description: Come warm up with the Early Years Saturday Morning Program. Stay for hot chocolate, decorate a gingerbread cookie, and make a special winter craft. All children up to six years invited to join with their parents or caregiver. Free event.
Mid-Winter Family Curling Bonspiel, Goderich
Date: Saturday, Feb. 2, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Maitland Curling Rink, Maitland Country Club, North Harbour Road
Description: Come watch the curling throughout Saturday.
Winterfest – Snow-Pitch Tournament, Goderich- CANCELLED
Not enough teams entered.
Winterfest – Make & Take Craft Time, Goderich
Date: Saturday, Feb. 2, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Goderich Library Branch, 52 Montreal St.
Description: Craft table for all ages. Those under 11 with an adult, please. Free event.
Winterfest – Rotary Chili Cook-off, Goderich
Date: Saturday, Feb. 2, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Location: Stations set up around The Square, downtown.
Description: Chili tasting and judging. Go around the Square and taste all the chili entries, then vote for your top three. Purchase ballots and tasting utensils from the Rotary tent located on The Square.
Winterfest – Tim Holland the Puppet Tamer, Goderich
Date: Saturday, Feb. 2, from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Location: Court House Park, downtown Goderich. Inclement weather: The Livery.
Description: Ventriloquist Tim Holland will put on a fast-paced comedy show that’s rooted in the traditions of clowns, circus and improv. Sponsored by Rotary Club of Goderich, Suncoast Mall and Tourism Goderich.
Winterfest – Visit the Huron County Museum, Goderich
Date: Saturday, Feb. 2, from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Location: Huron County Museum, 110 North St.
Description: Stroll through the exhibits, explore the temporary exhibit Come Play A While…Toys You Loved, and enjoy our traditional hot apple cider. Two for one admission (This ticket allows one complimentary admission of equal or lesser value with one regular paid admission.)
Winterfest – Children’s Theatre Company, Goderich
Date: Saturday, Feb. 2 and Sunday, Feb. 3, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: MacKay Centre, corner of North and Nelson streets
Description: This year the company presents Treasure Island, adapted by Kathryn Schultz-Miller, and a musical One Smart Pig, written by Matt Buchanan (based on ‘The Three Little Pigs’). Directed by Jennifer A. Black. Assisted by Barb Bakker, Dorothy Bogie and Will Cookson. Tickets: $5; children under 12 free.
All About Birds, Goderich
Date: Saturday, Feb. 2, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Goderich Library Branch, 52 Montreal St.
Description: An event by the Maitland Trail Association, join Roger Goddard for an afternoon of learning all about local birds, feeding, migration and identification, etc. Discussion welcome on all levels of interest. Refreshments will be served.
Winterfest – Tim Holland the Puppet Tamer, Goderich
Date: Saturday, Feb. 2, from 3 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Location: Suncoast Mall
Description: Ventriloquist Tim Holland will put on a fast-paced comedy show that’s rooted in the traditions of clowns, circus and improv. Sponsored by Rotary Club of Goderich, Suncoast Mall and Tourism Goderich.
Winterfest – Fireworks Show, Goderich
Date: Saturday, Feb. 2, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Location: Agricultural Park, Goderich Memorial Arena, 180 MacDonald St.
Description: Bring the whole family for a spectacular fireworks display by PyroWorld Fireworks & Special Effects Ltd. 6:30 p.m. – Hot chocolate courtesy of Tim Hortons Goderich. 7 p.m. – Fireworks show to music will light up the night sky. In case of inclement weather, the event will be postponed to Sunday, Feb. 3 at the same time. Free event, sponsored by Tourism Goderich, Tim Hortons Goderich and 104.9 the Beach.
Winterfest – Dance, Goderich – CANCELLED
Please call Joanne Brunk at 519-524-4614 for ticket refunds.
SUNDAY
Winterfest – Super Family 5-4-3-2-1 Sunday, Goderich
Date: Sunday, Feb. 3, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Little Bowl, 204 Huron Rd.
Description: Come in for special priced bowling. Show your Winterfest spirit by wearing your favourite hat, scarf or sweater and enjoy a complimentary hot beverage.
Winterfest – YMCA Free Family Skate, Goderich
Date: Sunday, Feb. 3, from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Location: Goderich Memorial Arena, 180 MacDonald St.
Description: bring the whole family out for a great winter activity. Grab your skates and have fun gliding across the ice. Free event.
