ST. PAUL - Shiver Fest will be back for the February Family Day long weekend, running from Feb. 15 to 17 in St. Paul, with the majority of activities scheduled for holiday Monday at Reunion Station
“The event gives family and the community an opportunity to get out and enjoy winter,” said Town of St. Paul FCSS Director Lynn Smid.
The weekend kicks off on Saturday with various activities for families to enjoy.
Back again this year is, Skijoring, a winter sport in which a person on skis is pulled behind a horse. Wild West Skijoring will take place on Sunday at noon. The event is hosted by the St. Paul AG Society and will take place north on Highway 881, just east of UFA. Registration begins at 10 a.m.
“This year hopefully the weather will be good,” Smid said, reflecting on the skijoring event that was postponed last year due to the weather. “People can enjoy watching this or participate in it if they have a horse.”
New this year at Shiver Fest is a children’s teepee. In partnership with the Mannawanis Native Friendship Centre, two individuals are expected to come in for a storytelling period on Monday afternoon.
Snowmobile rides will also being given by Performance Motorsports.
A number of free events taking place over the weekend include tobogganing on Saturday and Sunday at the Lagasse Park Hill, public skating on Saturday at the Clancy Richard Arena from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., as well as skating at the outdoor rink on main street from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. (49th and 50th Ave.) on Sunday.
Free activities taking place on Monday at Reunion Station (from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) include snow painting, iceberg chipping, bonfire and s’more roast, along with plenty of other activities. There will be an ice fishing derby at the nearby pond from noon to 3 p.m., and cross-country skiing at the golf course from 1 to 4 p.m.
Licenses aren’t required for ice fishing during Family Day weekend.
Other events taking place include a $3 pancake breakfast with town council, and Cabane a Sucre, which costs $2.
“It’s a great opportunity because most of the events that happen over the weekend are little to no cost,” Smid said. “It’s just an inexpensive way to have some fun and build relationships with family and community members.”
There will also be a concession at Reunion Station that will be put on for the public to enjoy, with funds going to a local community organization.
Various family swimming times will be held throughout the weekend at the St. Paul Aquatic Centre.
