It’s Winter Mayhem week in Kimberley, beginning Saturday, February 7. Winter Mayhem has grown out of the hugely successful Mayhem in the Platzl rail jam last year. Rather than just limit it to one night, says organizer Cora Miller, why not celebrate winter in Kimberley with a week long series of events.
It will all culminate with the rail jam on February 14. The rail jam has been moved up to the base of the ski hill as there simply isn’t enough snow downtown this year to construct the course. But it will still feature all the excitement and energy of last year’s event.
There is lots to get excited about, Miller says, beginning with a snowshoe adventure on Saturday morning, February 7, at 10 a.m. The tour, hosted by the Kimberley Nature Park Society, departs from the Swan Avenue entrance at 10 a.m. and will take about two hours. This is a moderate hike. Participants should be comfortable walking some distance in snowshoes.
Also on Saturday, drop by Kootenay Mountain Works in the Platzl for a fat tire bike demo, drop by Centre 64 for a look at the new exhibit, Late Bloomer. In the evening, it’s square dance time. Join the fun at Centennial Hall for the It’s Hip to be Square food bank fundraiser at 6:30 p.m.
On Sunday, there another fat tire demo at Kootenay Mountain works, plus an afternoon Dynamiters game with a special $5 admission.
Don’t forget there’s ski racing all weekend and into the week up at the Kimberley Alpine Resort.
On February 11, take part in some mid-week free activities. These include night cross-country skiing at the Kimberley Nordic Centre beginning at 6 p.m. and public skating at the Civic Centre from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Then it’s Valentines Day and there is enough going on to keep anyone busy. Up at KAR during the day, families can enjoy free facepainting and helmet decorating (11-2pm) in Slopeside, a Scavenger Hunt, Kidz maze, Valentines Day Photo area (people can upload their photos for a chance to win prizes 11am), a family friendly Dual Slalom Obstacle Course on the T-bar (1-2:30pm), the ice skating rink will be open, and there is a Kimberley Alpine Team Silent Auction from 11 to 4 p.m. As well, February 14 is Hockey Day in Canada.. Wear your jersey to enter the draw to win prizes.
Then it’s the Rail Jam in the evening at 6:30 p.m..
“This is a great event to bring the family up to the base of the ski hill, watch local riders, enjoy heat from the fire pit and groove to music by local DJ,” said Miller. “We were also excited to offer luge style snow slides and sculpture but unfortunately will be postponed until 2016.”
Also Saturday evening, Feb. 14, there is a special Valentines Day Snowshoe Tour followed by Chocolate Fondue at top of the Mountain in Kootenay Haus Cabin or Chocolate Fondue at Kootenay Haus only (contact Winter Sports School 432-0315)
“We will have music and light show, outside barbecue and beer gardens, night skiing, bonfire and marshmallows and FIS Night Race,” said Meegan Field from KAR.
And there still a bit more on Sunday. As seen on Go Kootenays, Sarah from Women with Saws will be teaching women chainsaw maintenance and safe handling at the Tyee Log Yard February 15 from 12:30-4:30 p.m. Preregistration required. Also, February 15 is your last chance to buy progressive 50/50 tickets @ the Kimberley Dynamiters game. Winning ticket will be drawn to win up to $10,000.