SUNDRE – Family Day activities brought out many locals as well as some visitors, with a Sundre Winterfest 2023 organizer estimating an accumulative attendance of more than 1,000 over the span of three days.
“We estimate over 1,000 people attended Winterfest over the weekend,” Jon Allan, the municipality’s economic development officer, wrote by email in response to questions, adding the majority came out to explore the festival on Sunday, Feb. 19.
The bulk of this year’s activities were hosted at the Sundre & District Museum as well as the nearby riverside Greenwood Campground and community gazebo. Wagon rides made available courtesy of Darryl and Donna McGregor, who got some assistance from Duane Papke, shuttled people to and from the locations.
But other community organizations like the Sundre Greenwood Neighbourhood Place Society, the Sundre & District Chamber of Commerce, the Sundre Bike n’ Ski Club as well as Main Avenue Fellowship and numerous business sponsors also contributed.
The third edition of the Mountain Survivalist Competition was held at the campground on Monday, Feb. 20, with a full slate of teams racing against the clock to determine whose survival skills were the most finely honed.
“It was a very close competition featuring some very high scores, and very high talented survivalists,” said Allan.
“Ultimately, I think it was the best competition we’ve put on to date. Last year, we were only able to muster about six registered teams, whereas this year we had a full nine teams plus three on the waiting list.”
Taking this year’s title was a team called The Boreal Boys. Robert Edwards and Christian White scored 23.5 out of a possible 24 points, Allan said, expressing appreciation to judges Brenda Holder of Mahikan Trails, Dave Holder of the Alone TV show, as well as retired British Major David Hardman.
“Without their efforts, this event would not be possible,” he said.
The majority of the long weekend’s crowds came out to the museum, with executive director Carrie Couch reporting almost 850 over three days.
Many of them were from the region hailing from places such as Rocky Mountain House, Caroline, Sundre, Didsbury, Olds, Carstairs, Eagle Hill and James River.
But there were also visitors who were from Calgary, Edmonton and Medicine Hat as well as Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Newfoundland, said Couch.
“We even had three individuals from Switzerland,” she said, adding there were many positive comments shared along with expressions of gratitude for hosting activities on the Family Day weekend as well as praise for the helping hands that made it all possible.
“Sundre is pretty awesome when it comes to pulling it off,” she said.
“We have awesome volunteers and individuals in this town who are truly committed to sharing and giving,” she said. “Many individuals have gone above and beyond and for them I am thankful and I hope the community also appreciates their hidden talents and commitment; without them, Winterfest 2023 would not be as terrific as it was.”
Couch also extended on behalf of the Sundre & District Historical Society a shout out to everybody who supported the organization’s Raise the Roof Pegboard Fundraiser, which generated about $1,140.
Hosting events such as Winterfest throughout the year is important “not only to provide activities and amenities to local residents, but particularly as we develop Sundre into a full year-round destination,” said Allan.
While the municipality and the museum spearheaded the organizational effort, Winterfest was the result of a community collaboration including organizations like the Sundre Greenwood Neighbourhood Place Society, the Sundre & District Chamber of Commerce, the Sundre Bike n’ Ski Club as well as Main Avenue Fellowship and numerous business sponsors.
“It is always wonderful to see the partnerships in Sundre between organizations and people,” said Couch, who draws inspiration from “the magic of what people can do for each other when they are committed and so genuinely caring to do so; that is what I witnessed this past week.”
The ice sculptures will be kept on display at the Greenwood Park campground until they melt.
“They look fantastic at night time, all lit up,” said Allan.
