ST. PAUL - After a two-year hiatus due to cold weather in 2020, followed by the pandemic and public health measures in place in 2021, Shiver Fest is hoping to make a grand return in 2022.
Not long after the 2020 edition of the Family Day long weekend was cancelled due to cold weather, Town of St. Paul council decided it would move the location of the winter festival to the St. Paul Recreation grounds, to allow for the use of other Town facilities, such as the Rec. Centre. Events such as public skating and public swimming would also be in closer proximity.
But, less than a month after the decision was made, the COVID-19 pandemic shut down many public events for well over a year.
With the 2022 event less than two weeks away, plans are being made to host the winter festival in St. Paul. Plans have been made according to the discussions that were had in 2020.
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“We’re hoping with the venue change it might invite more people out," says Director of the Town of St. Paul's FCSS department Lynn Smid. The ultimate goal of moving forward with this year's event is to "offer family connection again," she adds.
Smid says the event simply outgrew the Reunion Station location.
From Feb. 19 to Feb. 21, there will be several activities taking place in the community. Public skating and public swimming will be offered as usual on Saturday and Sunday.
Parellel Lanes will offer its family bowling on Saturday which is $3 for one ten-frame game, with the Restrictions Exemption Program in effect.
Wild West Skijoring will also take place on Saturday, hosted by the St. Paul Ag Society.
Along with swimming and skating, Sunday will include sleigh rides hosted by the Bethel Family Worship Centre from 5 to 7 p.m. Hot chocolate and fireworks will make for a complete evening out at the Bethel location, which is just east of St. Paul on Highway 29.
Family Day
Holiday Monday will include a long list of things for families to do - weather permitting.
“Everything that can run, obviously will run," says Smid.
But, if the weather falls below -20C some of the outdoor events may be cancelled to ensure the safety of the volunteers.
One event that will go on regardless is the drive-thru pancake breakfast with Town council. The breakfast will run from 9 to 11 a.m. and costs $2.
People can even drive-thru in their pajamas to grab breakfast, says Smid, with a laugh. Then hopefully return later to take part in other events.
Free events being offered include winter games at the Jaycee Ballpark, such as 2x4 ski races, snow painting, iceberg chipping, and street hockey nearby.
A penguin hunt is also being organized and hunt sheets can be picked up at the Rec. Centre.
Extended public skating will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Clancy Richard Arena on Monday; and $3 public swimming will be offered from 1 to 4 p.m.
Tim Hortons is sponsoring hot chocolate on Monday, which is being served from 1 to 3 p.m., near the Rec. Centre.
Smid encourages people to bring some cash since there is a cost to a few of the events, such as the 'cabane a sucre' being put on by ACFA Saint-Paul.
Sugar shack and more
ACFA Saint-Paul is looking forward to organizing the 53rd sugar shack in St. Paul.
"This activity comes after two years of virtual events and it will be an excellent opportunity for families and friends to meet together and celebrate the family day with the whole community," says Ahmed Seif, with ACFA.
The sugar shack - or cabane a sucre - will include maple taffy on snow, several activities for families, and French music. Cabane a sucre activities will be offered from 12 to 3 p.m. and costs $2 for a taste of the sugary treat.
"Current AHS COVID guidelines will be followed," says Seif.
Not far from the Rec. Centre, the St. Paul Museum will also be offering an afternoon craft, which costs $2 as an entry fee to the museum.
The Curling Rink will be open from 1 to 3 p.m. for people to stop by. While most equipment is supplied to try the sport, clean indoor shoes are required, and REP is also in effect at the curling rink.
At the St. Paul Golf Course, the Lakeland Cross Country Ski Club will be offering one-hour time slots from 1 to 4 p.m., allowing people to take out equipment and go for a ski. Equipment is available on a first come first serve basis.
An ice fishing derby is also being hosted by St. Paul Fish and Game at the Town of St. Paul’s trout pond.
“I would love it to be a beautiful day, so people can come out and enjoy some sunshine and fresh air," says Smid.
