KAWARTHA LAKES-What better way to experience all the Kawartha’s have to offer than skating on a torchlit trail through Balsam Lake Provincial Park.
The event is called Frostival and it takes place this Saturday and Sunday. Skate the trail by torchlight on Saturday evening and an afternoon of skating the trail in the sunshine on Sunday. Free hot chocolate available as well as access to the cross-country ski and snowshoe trails.
This is the first year for Frostival and the event came about kind of by accident. “Natalie McMorrow, Assistant Superintendent of the Park, and I got to talking one day about how we could help our communities celebrate winter…and what better place to do that than at the beautiful Balsam Lake Provincial Park!” Jennifer Wilson, of the Cobokonk Norland and Area Chamber of Commerce told Kawartha 411. “So, even though the Park does not operate during the winter months, the Chamber submitted an application to the Park to hold this event on their property, and they have been wonderful getting the ice ready and assembling the site elements for the event – much of it on volunteer time!”
Wilson says it will take almost 20 volunteers per day to operate Frostival and that does not include all the preparations for the event before people arrive. Â “This event reflects a great partnership between Balsam Lake Provincial Park staff, City of Kawartha Lakes Tourism staff, Shepherd’s Environmental – who are always so wonderful in helping us out -, the Chamber, and our community volunteers.”
Admission is $15 per car – CASH ONLY. Bring your own skates and helmets for the kids – no rentals available. The event is January 26th and 27th at Balsam Lake Provincial Park. Saturday evening skate from 4-8pm and Sunday noon to 4pm.
The money raised wil go to continuing the Chambers work to enhance and help build communities. “In addition to the work we do to help promote and support our 129 members businesses and organizations, the Coboconk, Norland & Area Chamber of Commerce also focuses on providing our communities with fun community events to attend and installing seasonal beautification displays.” Wilson explained.
It will also be used for undertaking new capital projects such as the 5 new public docks built in Coboconk and Norland last year.
“Now we can’t wait for people to arrive tomorrow and Sunday to enjoy this fantastic outdoor experience!” Wilson exclaims.
For more info go to :http://coboconknorland.ca
