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Warmer temperatures bring families out for fun

Rising temperatures brought hundreds of people out to Winter Fundays at Marina Park.

THUNDER BAY - With temperatures on the rise this weekend, families emerged from what must have felt like hibernation to celebrate all things snow.

Winter Fundays continued on Sunday, and unlike last weekend that saw temperatures well below -20 C, Sunday’s high of -4 C brought people out to Marina Park in droves.

“It’s a lot more welcoming and people can get out and they don’t require the same amount of layers they did last week,” said Calla Sampson, acting recreation and culture programmer with the city of Thunder Bay.

Sunday was also World Snow Day, a worldwide celebration of outdoor winter activities created by the International Ski Federation. The city partnered with Mount Baldy to provide free skiing for kids under 12.

This week’s activities at Marina Park included snow painting, hula hooping, and snow bowling. Last week more than 20 people braved the cold temperatures for snowshoeing, but things were a lot different this Sunday.

“We’ve easily doubled those numbers and we are only a half hour in,” Sampson said just after the day kicked off. “The warmer weather has brought a lot more people out to enjoy the free activities we have.”

Ashley Murdoch was in town visiting her friend, Robyn Harris, and they decided to come to Marina Park to take in the Sleeping Giant and Lake Superior.

While the warmer weather provided a nice day for some sightseeing, Murdoch, originally from North Bay, said she is no stranger to frigid temperatures.

“It’s not bad,” she said. “But we don’t mind the cold. We went snowboarding when it was -30 C. You just have to bundle up.”

For Emily Shandruk and her four-year-old daughter, Audrey, Winter Fundays is a great opportunity to get out of the house and enjoy some sunshine.

“I think living in Thunder Bay, especially with temperatures like last week, you’re inside a lot,” she said. “I think it’s important to get some vitamin D and some fresh air. I think it makes everyone sleep a little bit better, too.”

Shandruk said she likes to take any opportunity to get out with her family and enjoy all that the city has to offer. And the warmer temperatures certainly makes that easier.

“It’s phenomenal,” she said. “We love being outside and the fact that the city puts this on for families come out feels amazing.”

When it comes to what Audrey liked best, she might have to wait a few months before she can start enjoying her favourite outdoor activity.

“I like swimming in the water when it’s summer,” she said.

But there was something she enjoyed most about her time on Sunday out in the sunshine and snow.

“I like spending time with mommy,” she said.

Winter Fundays continue every Sunday at Marina Park from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. until March 19.  



Doug Diaczuk

About the Author: Doug Diaczuk

Doug Diaczuk is a reporter and award-winning author from Thunder Bay. He has a master’s degree in English from Lakehead University
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