Chestermere’s Winterfest: Celebrating the Canadian Spirit in the Country’s Newest City

On January 24, Chestermere will come alive with winter activities during the community’s annual Winterfest celebration. In addition to favourite features, the festival will also include a special event to mark Chestermere’s new city status.
“Winterfest is a wonderful way for our community to celebrate our longest season, together,” said Mayor Patricia Matthews. “This year we have another reason to celebrate; our new status as a City. I hope to see everyone out for cake, fireworks, and excitement!”
Chestermere officially became a city on January 1. While the new title will assist with attracting business and investment, the community is committed to maintaining events like Winterfest that embrace Chestermere’s signature lakeside charm and family friendly identity.
Many of the popular events and activities at Winterfest will return this year with a characteristically Canadian twist. The day will begin with a ‘Lumberjack Pancake Breakfast’ followed by kids’ activities like face painting, bounce houses, and slap shot hockey in the ‘Chinook Zone’.
In the Arctic Zone, all family members can enjoy sleigh rides, ice carving, food trucks, and fire pits. Even family dogs can participate in the Kids & K9 Dash.
Following the ever popular Polar Bear Dip (a fundraiser for the Youth Council of Chestermere), is the Exhibition Hockey Game. Each year, members of Chestermere’s Fire and RCMP compete against a Chestermere team, the Wannabees, to raise money for a deserving local family. This year, all proceeds from the game and raffle will be provided to Michaela Wood, a young resident battling muscular dystrophy.
The children’s lantern walk kicks off the evening festivities and will be followed by a special city status ceremony. All residents are welcome to attend and pick up some cake and hot chocolate to enjoy while watching the fireworks finale on the lake.
“Winterfest is a fantastic, fun way to celebrate winter and welcome our new city status. I look forward to seeing many families come out and enjoy the festivities,” said Nancie Huneault, Chestermere’s Events Coordinator.
For more information on Winterfest and the full listing of activities, visit www.chestermere.ca/winterfest.