Besides some new events, there鈥檚 a new mascot added to the 64th Vernon Winter Carnival.

Yeti, an abominable snowperson-type with white fur, blue paws, and black claws (Carnival colours, of course), was introduced at the 64th Vernon Winter Carnival Media Night Wednesday, Jan. 10, at the Holiday Inn Express and Suites.

The new mascot joins longtime established Carnival symbols jopo and jopette for the Carnival, which runs Feb. 2-11.

The theme for the 64th event is Carnival of Games, which can be board games, card games, video games, and/or sports games, and Carnival directors were dressed up in everything from Super Mario to a hockey player to video game character Carmen San Diego.

鈥淐arnival鈥檚 values really come shining through when we create opportunities for our community to come together to connect and make wonderful memories,鈥� said executive director Kris Fuller.

Decked out as the board game Operation, Fuller explained there will be more than 145 events over the 10 days of Carnival, including 38 free events made possible by provincial grants and event sponsors.

Prior to the official start, Fuller explained there are several pre-Carnival events.

鈥淭here鈥檚 a school poster contest, making papier m芒ch茅 hot air balloon lanterns and the Downtown Vernon Association鈥檚 Gold Rush is back, where someone can win an actual gold nugget,鈥� she said. 鈥淧lus we encourage businesses to take part in the Best Decorated Premises contest.鈥�

The always-popular Balloon Glow returns to Polson Park Friday, Feb. 2, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Hot air balloons will help light up the evening. The Carnival鈥檚 parade float will be lit up for the evening and organizers will have more than 1,000 glow sticks to give away. Food trucks will be on-site, and the group Kinshira will put on its fire juggling show at 4:30. Park admission is free.

The Vernon Winter Carnival Parade goes at its traditional time of 12 p.m. on the first Saturday of Carnival, Feb. 3. Staging takes place along 27th Street toward 43rd Avenue. The parade heads south on 27th, turns right on 30th Avenue, then right on 29th Street. The route heads north to 32nd Avenue and makes a left-hand turn, proceeding west on 32nd to 31st Street, where a right-turn is made. The parade ends at 31st Street and 39th Avenue.

Among the new events slated this year include four events at Coldstream鈥檚 Mackie House; a Fat Bike Trail Tour; Winter鈥檚 Night Painting Party at Caetani House and the Herb Dixon Comedy Tour Show.

鈥淲e are very thankful to have the support of our community,鈥� said Carnival board chair Laurell Cornell, dressed as Super Mario, complete with a fabulous faux moustache. 鈥淭he generosity of this community never ceases to amaze us. Our festival brings happiness and joy in the midst of winter, and we love celebrating with you.鈥�

Information on all events can be found at or in the Carnival brochure. There鈥檚 a colouring contest inside the brochure on page 31 where participants can email a photo of their art to hello@vernonwintercarnival.com, or drop it off at the Carnival office, 3401-35th Ave.

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