Looking like a modern day Det. Sonny Crockett - of Miami Vice TV fame 鈥� Curt Reimer welcomed everyone to the 65th Vernon Winter Carnival and its Back to the '80s theme.
Complete with his blazer sleeves pushed up to his elbows, Reimer 鈥� branch manager of Carnival presenting sponsor Valley First 鈥� confessed he was trying to go Back to the Future (hit 1980s movie) with the theme.
"When I first heard the theme was Back to the '80s, the first thing I did was ask our marketing department if we could advertise 22 per cent mortgage rates," joked Reimer at the official 65th Vernon Winter Carnival launch evening Jan. 22, at the Vernon Army, Navy, and Air Force Spitfire Unit #5's rental hall, The Hangar. The hall was decorated with '80s themes such as Rubik's Cubes and Pac Man figures.
"They said, 'no.' God, I wanted to make some money on this."
The evening was emceed by Carnival executive director Lisa Fenyedi, making her launch debut as host, dressed as an aerobics instructor/participant, complete with neon green off-the-shoulder shirt and pink legwarmers. A number of Carnival directors joined Fenyedi for the launch, dressed as valley girls, break dancers, and in character as Carnival Cops.
Fenyedi explained to the crowd of more than 50 attendees, sponsors, directors, and media, in the popular '80s vernacular, that there were more than 75 "totally radical" events planned for Carnival, which runs Feb. 7-16.
"Vernon Winter Carnival began in 1961 with the goal to foster community spirit and promote Vernon as a winter destination," said Fenyedi. "It's inclusive to all. It brings the community together through fun events and activities that keep us connected through shared experiences."
Speaking of making money, Fenyedi explained that proceeds from Carnival-related items like button and ticket sales, and the Arrest the Best program, goes directly to the festival.
"When you attend an event, you're supporting not only the 65-year tradition of Carnival, but you're supporting the entire community," she said.
Carnival has brought back its popular raffle, where tickets are available online or at the event office on 35th Avenue by the Priest Valley Gym and Arena. Tickets are $10 each or three for $20. First prize is a three-night houseboat vacation, donated by Sicamous Houseboats; second prize is One K Your Way, a prize of $1,000 donated by Valley First; third prize is $1,000 in gift cards from Armstrong Regional Co-op; fourth prize is a pellet smoker donated by Valley Grills; and fifth prize is a fire pit donated by Carnival.
There's also a new raffle this year.
"It's called Let It Snow, a snowflake drop raffle that will be held at the Family Fun Park event Saturday, Feb. 15, at BX Elementary school," said Fenyedi. "We will be dropping all purchased snowflakes from the ladder of a fire truck. The closest snowflake to the target wins a $5,000 prize package."
Tickets are one for $5, and 10 for $40, which can be purchased at the Carnival office.
In celebration of the milestone 65th Carnival, the society has created a colouring book that features all 65 Vernon Winter Carnival buttons. The books are $5 and comes with a set of pencil crayons. Both are available at the Carnival office.
There is also a special page in the book that is a colouring contest. Completed entries can be taken to Valley First with the chance to win $500.
Carnival has also partnered up with the Vernon Flying Club and its popular Discover Aviation day.
An event passport for teenagers aged 14 to 20 can be picked up at the Carnival office. Teens can attend three Carnival events 鈥� the Balloon Glow, the Carnival Parade, and the Family Fun Park event 鈥� and get their passports stamped. Turn them into the Carnival office for a chance to win one of five, free, Discover Aviation Flights courtesy of the Vernon Flying Club.
"The intent is to encourage interest in joining Canada's growing flying community, or perhaps pursue a career in aviation," said VFC pilot Rob McDicken, himself a career pilot. "It's a first flight experience that hopefully triggers or ignites a spark in aviation."
The Family Fun Park event will also feature fireworks.
Among the events kicking off the 2025 Vernon Winter Carnival on Friday, Feb. 7, is the always popular Balloon Glow, which will take place from 4-8 p.m. at the north end parking lot at Kal Tire Place.
Don't forget, the annual parade is at 12 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8, and has a new route in place for 2025. The parade goes down 27th Street only, from 45th Avenue to 32nd Avenue. Watch for road closures.
There are still tickets available to the popular Parka Party, Sip and Savour, Snowglobe Concert and the many other events taking place.
One of the Carnival events needs help naming its mascot.
The Mission Hill Elementary School Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) hosts its popular Polar Bear Market and Swim Saturday, Feb. 15, at Paddlewheel Park. The market runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring more than 20 vendors with silent auction items, and a guest appearance by the event mascot, an unnamed polar bear.
"We are holding a Name the Mascot contest," said Cassaundra Belanger-Menzel, PAC spokesperson. "Fill out a ballot during the market."
The Polar Bear Swim, open to all ages, takes the plunge into Okanagan Lake at 1 p.m.
A full list of 2025 Vernon Winter Carnival events and activities can be found at v.
