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Plans announced for first annual ‘Flannel Fest’ in Kimberley

The event will feature a snow sculpting competition, family activities, beer garden and more.
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Rocky Mountain Event Planners and local winter enthusiast James “Archie” Archibald are coming together to co-host Kimberley Flannel Fest, a spin-off of Winter-Fest/Snow-Fest with a flair of new activities. The event will take place around the Platzl on February 15 & 16, 2019.

Event Planner Karen Rempel says it has been a thought of hers for a few years now, and she’s had plenty of time to plan different events for the whole family to enjoy.

“This will be an epic Winter Flannel Fest that will put Kimberley on the map for the best winter festival in the Kootenays,” Rempel said, adding that they are planning to advertise across the Kootenays and Alberta.

In terms of what inspired the event, Rempel says that the community has been asking for an event like this ever since Winter-Fest folded.

“We are bringing back a lot of the old activities, such as bocce, hockey, curling, snow sculptures and a lot more activities for families,” said Rempel. “We will have boxes of packed snow set up in the Platzl that participants can purchase for $200 to sculpt for a chance to win a trophy. These cultures will stay in the Platzl for as long as weather permits. We will also be including the local businesses to participate in the sculpting, what fun!”

Other features of the event will include a ‘snow rave’ on Friday night, which will include a laser light-up, music and a beer garden. Friday will also see a business parade, where local businesses will dress in their best flannel and hand out treats and discounts.

Saturday will be a fun-filled day of games, vendors, music, and races through the Platzl. The snow sculpting competition will take place on Saturday, along with ice taffy pulling, snowshoe races, a winter market showcasing local vendors, and the ‘Shirt Jack Party’.

“The shirt jack party is a dance where men or ladies wear flannel jackets, kind of red-neck formal wear,” explained Rempel. “We will be picking a queen and king of flannel.”

More details about the dance will be announced on Friday evening of the event.

Volunteers are needed for both Friday night and Saturday, specifically for the kids games and activities.

“As this is our first annual Flannel Fest we are hoping to keep costs down and leave plenty of room for expansion over the years,” said Rempel. “It’s very important that the community participate and volunteer.

If you want to get involved, contact Rempel at info@rockymountainevents.ca.

“This extraordinary winter-fest is planned for years to come for locals and tourists alike to enjoy our one light town and embrace winter,” said Rempel. “Flannel wearing is encouraged.”



Corey Bullock

About the Author: Corey Bullock

Corey Bullock is a multimedia journalist and writer who grew up in Burlington, Ontario.
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