Families were able to spend the long weekend sliding down hills and skating on the Kaministiquia River at the Fort William Historical Park winter carnival.
Hundreds took in the outdoor activities at the old fort on Saturday. Families were able to slide down the hill, toss rings at miniature snowmen, running through an ice maze and even name some of the baby lambs.
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But most who spoke with Tbnewswatch say they just wanted to spent time with their family.
Lisa Lindstrom went to the winter carnival with her fiancée and her four children. She watched from the crowd as her 11-year-old-daughter Ebony sawed off a portion of the large a log. She said it was great to see her participate.
“It’s exciting,” Lindstrom said. “We live out of town but we always come here. We come here for the New Year’s Eve celebrations and the winter carnival. The best part of it is just spending the time with my family.”
Ray Smith shared Lindstrom’s feelings. He came with his four-year-old-daughter and took her tubing in the main square.
“I just wanted to get her outside and it’s a beautiful day, “Smith said. “What we’re looking forward to the most is the sleigh ride I think. It’s Thunder Bay so there’s always something to do so we try to make the most of it. You can’t complain about the weather.”
Fort William Historical Park spokesman Marty Mascarin said there was a few new additions added to this year’s winter carnival. If visitors brought their skates, they could go up and down the frozen Kaministiquia River or participate in the curling games.
Mascarin said it took a while to ensure the ice was ready to go for skaters.
“It took a little grooming day to day and going out and monitoring the situation,” Mascarin said. “The weather is great but it’s almost like it is too good right now. A little bit of melt is a little bit of a concern. But we’re staying right on top of that. Our maintenance crew has done a tremendous job getting the river ship shape for us as well as some of our trade folks.”
While many events are outdoors, Mascarin said they are offering indoor activates as well that include video games.
Traditionally, the winter carnival was spread out across the heritage site and other areas of the fort. Mascarin said they decided to host most of the events inside the heritage site in order for the visitors to see more of the historical buildings.
The winter carnival runs the entire Family Day weekend. Admission is $10 per day for adults, $8 for seniors, students 13 and up, and youth between six and 12 years old. Children five and under are free.
Follow Jeff Labine on Twitter @Labine_reporter
