Vernon councillor says winter carnival needs more free family events

Photo: File photo

Vernon Winter Carnival doesn’t have enough free family events, a city councillor says.

Coun. Teresa Durning made the comment Monday as council endorsed a request to continue supporting the event with a $10,000 annual grant.

“I do have concern that Vernon Winter Carnival does not host free family events each year anymore and that it’s cost-prohibitive sometimes for families to be able to attend the events,” Durning said.

“There used to be a family day every single year … I know there is a family event, but you have to pay to go to it.

“It would be my hope that Vernon Winter Carnival would move back to that event every year at least in some way, shape or form.”

Council will ask a delegation from the carnival organization to speak to the issue at a future council meeting.

Coun. Kari Gares noted the COVID-19 pandemic affected carnival event planning the past two years.

The 2023 carnival is slated for Feb. 3-12.