Photo: Contributed - Vernon Winter Carnival/Wayne Emde

Vernon Winter Carnival Ballon Glow

Vernon is getting ready to rock as final preparations are being made for the 55th annual Vernon Winter Carnival.

This year’s theme is “Carnival of Rock ’n’ Roll,” and the annual celebration will kick off Feb. 6, continuing to Feb. 15.

Carnival executive director Diana Williamson says “ticket sales are coming along amazingly. We’re looking at selling out several events … it’s really going well.”

Williamson says this is the 23rd year for the popular Hot Air Balloon Fiesta and this carnival also marks the 50th birthday of carnival mascot and jester Jopo.

The night before carnival officially gets underway, Queen Silver Star LV will be crowned at the coronation at the Vernon Performing Arts Centre, starting at 7 p.m.

The royalty will then ride on the official City of Vernon float in the winter carnival parade on Saturday, Feb. 7, at noon.

Williamson says the parade, by far the biggest event of carnival, regularly attracts 15,000 to 20,000 spectators, and organizers are keeping their fingers crossed for good weather. Shaw TV will televise the event.

She notes this year, carnival kicks off with a long weekend, as it coincides with the B.C. Family Day stat holiday.

“We’re going to have a special Family Day in the Park event at Polson Park that’s free for everyone with activities for all ages,” said Williamson. “We’re hoping the holiday weekend gives us a big push to kick off the rest of carnival.”

The Hot Air Balloon Glow is another crowd favourite, 5:30 p.m. Feb 6 at Polson Park. Assembled balloons in town for the fiesta light up the night sky with their burners and colourful craft.

The fiesta continues through Feb. 8, and the balloons can be seen floating above the city in many locations.

Another perennial favourite, Suds n Cider, is once again sold out at the Vernon Lodge ballrooms. Those lucky enough to grab tickets will sip and savour beers, ciders and coolers from 20 different suppliers.

The B.C. Championship Snow Sculpture Competition returns to Silver Star Mountain Resort, where eight teams will be competing to artfully carve their creations from giant blocks of the white stuff. The winners qualify to compete in the nationals at Quebec City’s Carnaval – the only winter carnival in Canada larger than Vernon’s.

The sculptures will be on display in the village for all to view.

Williamson says it’s great to see businesses already starting to decorate for carnival and show their imagination around the rock ’n’ roll theme.

The most popular will again be awarded in the Best Decorated Premises Contest.

“It’s nice to see people getting into the spirit,” says Williamson. “There are quite a few events specifically fitting the theme this year, such as the Rock ’n’ Roll Fever Dance Party and others.”

The first Winter Carnival was held on Kalamalka Lake in 1893. According to a news report at the time, it “proved to be successful and a very enjoyable event. Many prominent citizens of the time took part as well as hundreds of skaters who enjoyed the ice rink that had been cleared for the event. Many people who attended came in horsedrawn sleighs which kept livery keepers busy.”

Back in the present day, there are literally dozens of children’s, family and adult events taking place during this year’s Winter Carnival. You check out a complete schedule on the Vernon Winter Carnival website.

“Fifty-five years and going strong,” said Williamson. “We’re pretty proud of it.”