Sporting with Carnival, the 52nd annual Vernon Winter Carnival, comes out to play for 10 days starting Friday.
“We’re getting ready for proclamation Thursday which really kicks things off. With 14 candidates this year, it’s going to be really exciting,” said Carnival executive director Brittany Sjoblom.
Proclamation takes place at the Performing Arts Centre at 7 p.m. with tickets available at Ticket Seller.
The top three candidates in the talent portion of the Queen Silver Star Excellence Program will do their presentations and more than $6,500 in scholarships will be awarded to candidates and retiring royalty.
“We will get to meet the visiting royalty and then there is the proclamation of Queen Silver Star and her Princess, which is always so exciting for everyone,” said Sjoblom.
The coronation of the new royalty will take place Friday at 5 p.m. at Polson Park with the Balloon Glow, a chance to see the hot air balloons up close, to follow at the park.
Everyone is looking forward to the parade Saturday at noon.
“We have 110 entries and we’re looking forward to seeing what people have done with the theme, Sporting with Carnival, and some great entries as always. It’s sounding pretty cool from what I am hearing. The mothers of the Little Miss Winter Carnival participants are putting a lot of work into their float which is very creative,” said Sjoblom.
“We’re also looking forward to seeing some of the B.C. Winer Games athletes in the parade. I think people are really getting into the theme for the parade and for decorations.”
Sjoblom, a former Queen Silver Star, has fond memories of the parade.
“When I was little, all our family would pack blankets and hot chocolate and we’d sit on the court house steps. I don’t like to miss a parade. Then when I was in it as Queen Silver Star it was exhilarating. The queen is near the front of the parade and there was so much clapping and congratulations, it gets everything going. For the people who are in the parade, it’s pure excitement.”
Ticket sales for Carnival events are going well, with some events sold out and others near selling out. Sjoblom reminds everyone that there are many free and low cost events for families and adults so that everyone can do something for Carnival.
“Celebrate Carnival every day until the last day when there is the Toonie and a Tin Skate with our community stars, sponsored by Tim Hortons,” she said.
“This is a great chance to skate with the Vernon Vipers, Queen and Princess Silver Star and enjoy treats from Tim Hortons.”
Toonie and a Tin takes place Feb. 12 from 10:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. at Wesbild Centre. This event includes the Vernon Shrine Club Masquerade Skating Party. Admission is $2 per person, $5 per family and a tin of food for the food bank.
Look for other great activities, including dinner dances, dinner theatre, music, food festivals, sports, a cookie and cake bake off, dance lessons and the snow sculpture competition at Silver Star Mountain Mountain Resort.
The Appetizers and Art event scheduled for Monday has been cancelled.
“Anyone who has purchased tickets can come into our office to get a refund,” said Sjoblom.
For more information and tickets, go to www.vernonwintercarnival.com.
