A long-dormant community tradition is returning to Castor in February.
After a successful soft-launch in 2022, where the event was planned in around a month, Castor WinterFest is back bigger and better in 2023.
Taking place over three days, from Feb. 10-12, there will be community events for the whole family to take part in, according to lead organizer Diana Boxma.
“It’s something to see!” said Boxma.
Returning in 2023 will be the ever popular snow-sculpture carving. Due to the short turn around in 2022, that was one item organizers were unable to squeeze into last year’s event.
According to Boxma, the Town of Castor has agreed to participate in the snow-sculpting by dropping off piles of snow to anyone interested in carving. The snow can be dropped anywhere in town, though participants need to be on the list by Feb. 5 for the snow to be dropped off on Feb. 8
The event starts for real on Feb. 10, with Castor Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) hosting a craft and barbecue from 3-7 p.m. At the Legion, participants in the Winter Squash Show can start dropping their squash off for judging at 4 p.m. At 6:30 p.m., the town is in for a ‘blast’ with a business and memorial fireworks show to be launched from the golf course. At 7 p.m. there will be Bingo at Gus Wetter School.
Saturday brings a full day of activities to town. Between hockey at the Beaverdome, a fun-run and ice-carving demonstrations, there will be something for everyone throughout the day. The FCSS building will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for those needing to warm up; and, don’t forget about the chili cook-off starting at noon!
There will be live music and a market taking place at the Castor Community Hall throughout the afternoon, featuring a mix of local and Stettler talent.
On Sunday, there will be a pancake breakfast in support of the Busy Beaver Daycare and the Castor Foodbank from 8-11 a.m., followed by a community-wide potluck lunch at the Castor Evangelical Missionary Church at noon.
Wrapping the evening will be a “Sacred Concert and Hymn Sing” back at the Castor Evangelical Church starting at 7 p.m.
“It’s shaping up to be a lot of fun,” said Boxma.
Stay tuned, as more events are being added all the time.
According to the Castor history book, Beavertales, the original WinterFest ran for many years, starting in 1984 before coming to an end sometime around 2010.
For more information or to register for snow, contact Boxma at 403-740-5265 or email spicydianab@gmail.com.