Elliot Lake’s annual winter celebration, Winterfest, kicks off this Friday.
However, there are some changes due to the roof collapse at the Lester B. Pearson Civic Centre and the closure of other municipal buildings.
One activity scheduled for carnival launch Friday was the Diggers and Scoops at the Elliot Lake Nuclear and Mining Museum. But, that free event has now been postponed to March 11th and will be at the Collins Hall from 2 to 5 p.m.
The Elliot Lake Figure Skating Club presentation ‘A Winter Wonderland, has been moved to the Blind River Community Centre Arena.
The extravaganza will take place Friday at 6:30 p.m with around 40 skaters, most of them from the Elliot Lake Figure Skating Club, taking part.
The show will also feature national junior pair skaters Olivia Boys-Eddy and Mackenzie Boys-Eddy.
Saturday
Saturday starts off with the Winterfest breakfast at the Masons Lodge.
The Joe Sarich Classic Alpine Ski Races go from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Mount Dufour Ski Area.
At 10 a.m., the family snowshoe stroll heads out from the Elliot Lake ATV Clubhouse in the Mount Dufour parking area. This free event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Then at noon, there will be a Winter Wonderland of activities at Spruce Beach.
However, because of too much slush on Elliot Lake, the children’s fishing derby has been cancelled.
There will also be sleigh rides and sled dog rides from 2 to 4 p.m.
Then from 3 to 3:30 p.m., there will be turkey bowling.
A shuttle bus will be running from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. from the Collins Hall, the Centennial Arena and Mount Dufour Ski Area to Spruce Beach. From 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. the shuttle will run from Collins Hall, the Centennial Arena and Spruce Beach. There is no parking at Spruce Beach.
The public skating that was to take place on Saturday afternoon has been cancelled.
Sunday
On Sunday, the Joe Sarich Classic Alpine Ski Races continue from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Mount Dufour Ski Area.
The ever popular Sled Box Derby begins sliding down the hill at Mount Dufour Ski Area at 3 p.m.
At 6 p.m. there will be a bonfire at Mount Dufour.
At 7:30 p.m., there will be a torch run and a fireworks display at Mount Dufour.
The public swim that was to take place on Sunday afternoon has been cancelled.
Also, the home game between the Elliot Lake Wildcats and the Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan Eagles will be played at the Blind River Community Centre Arena on Sunday at 7 p.m.