Photo: File photo

It's almost time for Vernon's biggest party of the year.

The 63rd Vernon Winter Carnival starts Feb. 3 and continues through Feb. 12, with activities for all ages.

“The theme for 2023 is Carnival TV,” says executive director Vicki Proulx. “The community is really going all out. The parade is going to be especially amazing this year with so many fun TV show themed entries – from cartoons to sitcoms, movies and games shows, it’s going to be awesome.”

There will be more than 130 events during carnival, many of which are free. There are 28 new events this year and many returning favourites.

Carnival kicks off with the return of the balloon glow in Polson Park on Feb. 3

The popular parade starts at noon Feb. 4 on 27th Street and winds its way downtown.

There is a new route this year, starting as usual on 27th, turning onto 30th Avenue, but ducking right onto 29th Street before turning on 32nd Avenue and then 31st Street, ending at 39th Avenue.

“You can really feel the excitement returning this year,” says carnival society chair Laurell Cornell. “It brings our community together and keeps us connected through shared and memorable experiences.”

Carnival also hosts a number of fundraisers throughout the festival, including the carnival raffle and online auction. Money raised goes directly back into the non-profit society to expand and improve the festival.

The 2023 raffle features $28,000 in prizes, including a 2022 850 Pro RMK 155 Matryx Polaris Snowmobile from BDM Motorsports and Polaris as the main prize.

To purchase raffle tickets, click here.

A number of carnival events have already sold out. For more information and tickets, click here, call 250-545-2236, or stop by the carnival office, 3401 35 Ave., Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.