Bundle up, because a new festival may be coming to Collingwood this winter.
On Monday night Karen Cubitt, manager of culture and events, gave the corporate and community services standing committee a glimpse of a new winter event in town.
The Art of Winter event, which would replace Family Day festivities and the downtown Winter Wonderland event going forward, is planning to hold its inaugural foray in 2020, to run January 24 to 26.
“We’re describing it as a festival embracing winter as a snowy canvas for creativity, activity and connectivity,” said Cubitt. “We’re recognizing that embracing winter is an art form in Collingwood. We know how to do it well, and sometimes we just need to remind people how to do that.”
Central Park would be the hub for the festival, but activities would also be taking place in the downtown and on the trails.
There will be free indoor and outdoor activities for all ages both day and night, including professional snow carving, children’s games, snowshoe treks and moonlit skating. Cubitt said the Collingwood Curling Club, the Collingwood BIA and the YMCA are looking to partner with the town for the event.
“The idea is to just remind people that you can still be outside and active, having fun while being engaged in the arts even though it’s cold and wintery,” said Cubitt.
Deputy Mayor Keith Hull brought up the possibility of closing some of the downtown streets for the festival, making it more pedestrian-driven.
While director of parks, recreation and culture Dean Collver said there were not yet any plans to close any downtown streets, Hull said he thought it was a missed opportunity.
“If I may, it would be wonderful to engage the BIA and see if there would be an appetite to do something... I would be more than pleased to participate in a street hockey game,” said Hull.
Approval for the event is subject to council approval during budget deliberations.
