The Gravenhurst Winter Carnival is set to return this weekend, bringing three days of family-friendly events, activities, and entertainment to the community.
The 56th annual carnival runs from February 13 to 15 at various locations throughout downtown Gravenhurst.
Festivities kick off on February 13 with the official winter carnival mascot, Skokie the Otter’s birthday party at Muskoka Discovery Centre. The celebration will include free pizza and cake, a magic show, face painting, and horse-drawn wagon rides.
On February 14, a carnival and fun games will take over downtown Gravenhurst and Gull Lake Rotary Park, including puddle jumping, a polar dip, a doggie dash, maple taffy making, a donut-eating contest, ice carving demonstrations, buskers, food trucks, and more. The evening will feature fireworks followed by Skokie’s Great Canadian Dance Party with live entertainment at Sawdust City Brewing.
On February 15, the carnival will host a free public skate at the Graeme Murray Arena before concluding with a demolition derby at the Severn Bridge Fairgrounds.
Gravenhurst Recreation Coordinator Nicole Gray said the carnival is made possible by strong community support, particularly from volunteers and sponsors. While the event already has a dedicated volunteer base, Gray said more help is always welcome.
“The more the merrier,” she said, adding that the carnival is also a great opportunity for high school students looking to earn volunteer hours.
Gray added that the event relies heavily on local sponsors, primarily through monetary donations, along with some in-kind contributions. Scuba Shack is providing a diver for the polar dip, while Sobey’s is donating the cake for Skokie’s birthday party.
“I think our sponsors are a great example of community involvement. Some of them also provide volunteers, so with them, we’re able to put on something this big,” Gray said. “Every year, people keep coming back, and that really says something about how great it actually is.”
A $10 carnival button provides access to events throughout the entire weekend, and proceeds help cover event costs and support the future of the carnival.
For more information, visit https://www.gravenhurst.ca/gravenhurst-winter-carnival/
