For the first time since the 2020 pandemic lockdown, a large outdoor gathering was held at Dobson Park in Buena Vista. The weather cooperated, as more than 100 people gathered to enjoy the Buena Vista Winter Festival.
Coordinator Donna Hall says amid the squeals of joy, laughter, the crackling of a bonfire, the sounds of horse hooves - a part of the sleigh ride, there was a tremendous feeling of satisfaction.
Covid has dictated that so many events had to be cancelled over these many long months, but Hall says she is grateful that the Buena Vista Parks & Rec committee decided to carry on with plans for what she calls a much-needed community event, ”We decided to hold event because it was all outdoors- masks were required in the warming shack. Everyone was pretty excited to visit and take part in the activities. The horses were a great hit as always.”
Roasting a hot dog is always a treat as well. Hall says being able to stand around a bonfire and visit with neighbours and friends was even made even more special this year because for one day, during these cold winter months, people of all ages were able to visit and enjoy. “Cooking your own hot dog is always fun, no matter the time of year. We also served coffee, hot chocolate, and apple cider to help keep people warm.”
Although, she says, holding that warm beverage wasn’t always an easy thing to do, with festival-goers doing their best not to let the liquid splash from their cups because there was so much laughing going on. Part of that surrounded an event called the turkey shoot. Participants would throw a ham down a make-shift curling rink, trying their best to get that ham roast closest to the button of the circle. The top three participants took that ham home as a prize. For other prizes, in games like a hockey shoot-out and disc golf, winners took home loonies.
All events were free of charge. But the boosting of community spirit and camaraderie generated in hosting the winter festival can only be described as priceless.
By Carol Rose GoldenEagle
