‘Happy to be back’: Richmond Hill Winter Carnival returns in person for the first time in 3 years

The carnival takes place at Mill Pond Park Feb. 4 and 5

Yorkregion.com
Jan. 19, 2023
Sheila Wang

It’s been a decades-long tradition for the Richmond Hill community to come together in the coldest season at its annual winter carnival to kick that cabin fever to the curb.

That was until a global pandemic led to a halt on the in-person event for three years.

Now, the community event is returning in all its glory and a bit of extra fun.

The 54th Richmond Hill Winter Carnival is expected to happen in person on Feb. 4 and 5 at Mill Pond.

“We're happy to be back in person with many of the traditional events carnival families anticipate each year, as well as new fun activities!” said Marney Beck Robinson, a volunteer on the Richmond Hill Winter Carnival Committee.

The carnival will happen at Mill Pond Park, at Mill and Trench streets, Saturday, Feb. 4 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 5 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The community is welcomed to come out and enjoy traditional outdoor activities such as children’s games and crafts, the woodcarver, lumberjack shows, children’s colouring contest, live entertainment, falconry displays, hot drinks, and the popular Sunday morning pancake breakfast

Mascot Ookpik will be ready for a photo any time at the two-day event.

As an important part of the carnival tradition, a downsized elementary school hockey tournament will be held at Elgin Barrow Arena from Jan. 23 to 31.

New this year are selfie/Instagram stations, Batman and his Batmobile, play igloos for young children and a family-friendly Saturday evening spaghetti supper. Rides will be available for young children on a trackless train.

Free parking is available on Trench Street, in the east Mackenzie Health Hospital lot.

As always, admission is free, but participants are encouraged to purchase a $3 carnival button to support the carnival and win prizes.

Visit wintercarnival.net for more details.