By Charles Lefebvre

Appropriate weather in forecast for Elkwater Winter Festival

Feb 3, 2017 | 4:18 PM

EDICINE HAT, AB — While there may not be a lot of snow on the ground in the Gas City, Elkwater has seen a healthy amount of winter weather, making the conditions perfect for the third annual Elkwater Winter Festival.

The third annual festival gets underway Saturday morning, and promises a number of activities for people to enjoy through the town at Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park.

Connie Matson, chair of the festival, said the weather in the park has been ideal, with snow falling through the week.

“It’s snow-covered,” she said, adding the snow has been consistent since December. “It’s like a beautiful Christmas Day out there.”

Environment Canada is calling for a 60 per cent chance of flurries on Saturday for the park, with a high of minus 11 degrees Celsius.

Young minds, big ideas: Elementary students learn about urban planning with 'Box City'

6h ago

HERE'S WHAT TO KNOW

Summer pool hours extended and discounts applied as Big Marble Go Centre upgrades start

Apr 18, 2024

Medicine Hat company drawing in clients with witty signage

Apr 16, 2024

The festival features multiple activities for people of all ages, including cross-country skiing, snow golf, trail skating, snowshoeing and sledding, as well as entertainment and plenty of activities for children at different venues in the park.

Matson said the festival is a great way “for people to come out and enjoy the beauty of the Cypress Hills Park.”

She added the festival is a go regardless of the weather, and says many of the events can be modified if the temperature doesn’t cooperate.

“There is lots of outdoor activities we can still do,” she said, noting the planned snow golf turns into mini golf if the mercury rises, for example.

The festival was initially created to help promote the 2016 Alberta Winter Games, and an Alberta Winter Games Legacy Fund helps continue the festival.

The festival runs from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. and is free for everyone to attend.