SUBMITTED PHOTO A horse and carriage provided by the Dunmore Equestrian Centre pulled people around Elkwater all day Saturday during the annual Winter Festival.
It was a busy Saturday in Elkwater, with a record number of people passing through to take part in the annual Winter Festival.
“It went really well,” said one of the event’s organizers Elaine Ziegenhagel. “We gave away free hot chocolate and cookies – we easily went through 400 cookies.
“We had lots of families out.”
Ziegenhagel says warm weather gave a bit of a scare to organizers, but the event was able to run smoothly.
“It was well attended,” she said. “It was a little slippery for walking because of the weather, but it ended up going well.”
The Dunmore Equestrian Centre provided a horse and carriage for the event, allowing people to get rides around Elkwater.
“The sleigh rides were great, very popular,” said Ziegenhagel. “We also had free face painting at the community hall. Over 50 kids got their face painted.”
The hall also hosted a small craft market with 15 vendors.
“We had everything from woodworking to jewelry to kids toys,” said Ziegenhagel. “Our markets always get a good turnout.”
The Elkwater Lake Lodge hosted games throughout the day, as well as a build-your-own taco event. The 12-34 Cafe, which Ziegenhagel runs, hosted a cookie decorating event
“The place was packed for most of the day,” she said. “Everyone went home with a good treat they created.”
Chainsaw artist Marina Cole was on hand all day giving demos to curious bystanders.
“Marina carved three pieces – a bear, owl and the face of a man in a log,” said Ziegenhagel. “It’s always fun to watch her work.”