Peterborough Snofest is celebrating its 45th year in 2022, as organizers are preparing events that can be done both in person, and virtually.
Assistant Facility Manager at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre Heather Stephens says celebrating winter is good for your mental health.
Stephens says there’s certainly something for everyone during Snofest.
She says there’s lots of do locally during the winter, and that getting outside can help boost your mental and physical health during short winter days.
Activities for this year’s SnoFest include:
Get outdoors and get active!
Try something new this winter such as:
- Cross country skiing at Jackson Park
- skating on a local community rink
- Go on a hike on a local trail or try snowshoeing
- Create a winter scavenger hunt
- Create your own Olympic competition
Colouring contest for kids & youth
Kids and youth can download one of the Snofest winter-themed colouring pages, print it, colour it, scan it and e-mail the completed work to kjelliott@peterborough.ca. People can also post their masterpiece on Facebook by tagging @PtboSnofest or use the hashtag #PtboSnofest2022.
Youth 12 years of age and older can pick up paper copies of the colouring sheets at DYS and submit their entries the centre, 201 McDonnel St. They can post their work on Facebook tagging @DowntownYouthSpace or on Instagram @downtownyouthspace.
The deadline for the colouring contest is Monday, February 21, 2022.
Biggest outdoor shinny/hockey “celly” contest
This is a great opportunity for residents to show off their favorite outdoor rink and their favourite “celly” (celebration following a goal). They can take a video and share it on Facebook tagging @PtboSnofest or using #PtboSnofest2022 to be eligible to win a prize.
A list of all 23 outdoor rinks being maintained this year by dedicated volunteers is online at peterborough.ca/skate.
Art Gallery
The Art Gallery of Peterborough invites residents to visit their website agp.on.ca for instructions and details to build their own Snofest Pete. Residents can dress him in winter gear and bring him along on all Snofest outdoor adventures.
On Facebook, residents can tag @PtboSnofest, #PtboSnofest2022 and @AGPtbo, #AGPtbo on pictures being outdoors and active with Snofest Pete.
Winter trails
Residents are encouraged to stay active during Snofest and explore the City’s winter trails. The City has 42 km of paved trails that are plowed and maintained for year-round enjoyment. Unpaved trails are kept in their natural state in the winter, so residents are reminded to be aware of conditions with winter safety in mind.
As always, pedestrians have the right-of-way. Keeping to the right leaves space for faster people to pass with a safe berth. Many trails are not lit, so it is recommended to bring lights when it’s dark out.
Best snow sculpture or snow fort contest
This is a great opportunity to take advantage of all the snow and get creative. Residents are invited to make a snow sculpture that represents a “Canadian Winter”. Post on Facebook tagging @PtboSnofest, #PtboSnofest2022 and/or email a picture to kjelliott@peterborough.ca for a chance to win a prize. The winner will be selected on February 22, 2022.
Library
Residents are invited to join the Peterborough Public Library for great winter reading recommendations. Please check out their monthly list of great activities to escape the cold – story times, grab-and-go crafts, online reading challenges and more.
The Museum wants to take you down memory lane…
The Peterborough Museum & Archives will be sharing photographs of Snofests past and invites residents to do the same. The Snofest Committee is excited to see photos and hear stories of residents skating on the canal with Snofest Pete, enjoying the Mayor’s pancake breakfast and Carnival on the Hill, or competing in Snofest Idol.
The Museum’s Facebook page will feature these photos, and residents can share their own using the hashtag #PtboSnofest2022 and tagging @PtboSnofest and @PtboMuseumArchives for a chance to win a great prize.
The Peterborough Museum & Archives’ YouTube channel will feature the “Crafternoons” playlist for families to enjoy.
Pancake contest
Though many residents will miss the traditional Lion’s Club pancake breakfast of past years, everyone is encouraged to mix up their best pancakes and post a picture of your creations, tagging the Lion’s Club on Facebook @PeterboroughLionsClub and using #PtboSnofest2022 for a chance to win a great prize.
Snowman contest
This is Peterborough’s opportunity to get creative and show off their snowman building skills. Prizes will be awarded for the funniest, largest and most original snowman. Residents can post their photos on Facebook and tag @PtboSnofest, use the hashtag #PtboSnofest2022 or email to kjelliott@peterborough.ca.
Best dressed pet contest
Who doesn’t love seeing dogs in the community sporting their winter boots, coats and fun light up leashes? Peterborough pet lovers are invited to share pictures of their pets all dressed up and ready for winter. There will be a prize for best dressed pet posted on Facebook tagging @PtboSnofest and using #PtboSnofest2022.
Walk or bike to work or school challenge even in the winter
Active School Travel Peterborough encourages families to walk or roll as they travel, even in winter. Celebrate winter by bundling up the family and enjoying a walk while traveling to work, school or play. Residents can get exercise, explore nature and the community, or even connect with a neighbour for a friendly chat. The journey can be as fun, or even more fun, than the destination. Walkers can post their pictures with the tag #journeyoutside.
More information can be found at the city’s website.
