By Katherine Svenkeson

Families brave the cold for Wintertainment kickoff

Feb 19, 2017 | 3:00 PM

Despite chilly blowing winds and a bit less snow than expected, families still showed up at the River Valley Visitor Centre today for the first day of Wintertainment Week.

Horse-drawn carriage rides, hot chocolate and wiener roasts were free for residents. Sharon Taylor came out for the festivities, and brought her daughter Leeza and granddaughter Arianna along.

“It’s an exciting activity,” Sharon said. “I’m glad that we’re doing something like this in the Battlefords. I am disappointed that the snow didn’t cooperate, but overall it’s a good day.”

Five-year-old Arianna said her favourite part was the carriage ride, and she had fun nicknaming the horses.

Ryan Bater, mayor of North Battleford and executive director for Destination Battlefords, said it was a great turnout, with more than 100 guests attending before noon.

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Bater said the weather was a little upsetting, but it’s something you can’t control.

“Whether the weather is good, or whether the weather is poor, it’s the same amount of work for the organizers to orchestrate everything. We’re just sort of rolling with it,” he said. “We didn’t have much snow this year to begin with and so what was here has melted in the last week and it’s a little but windy, but that’s part of the fun. It’s part of being outside in the wintertime and rolling with what’s available.”

Later in the day, residents were invited to the Dekker Centre for a showing of The Little Prince.

Wintertainment continues all week. A Saskatchewan Winter Games kickoff is planned on Family Day Monday, featuring a free barbeque, a bouncy house, outdoor events and sport demos. 

Katherine.svenkeson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @ksvenkeson