The Town of Minto and local firefighters are hosting a family event to kick off celebrations for Canada’s 150th birthday on Dec. 31.
The town and Minto Fire are partnering to host a family New Year’s Eve event called Fire and Ice, which will be held at the Palmerston arena from 5 to 8pm.
“It’s going to be … great family fun,” economic and business manager Belinda Wick-Graham told council at the Dec. 6 meeting.
In partnership with the Ontario Federation of Dog Sled Sports and organizers of the Guelph Dog Sled races, the event will feature dog sled demonstrations and an opportunity for attendees to take photos and ask questions of the dog owners.
Families in attendance can enjoy hot chocolate and s’mores around the outdoor fire pits that will be set up for the event, which will also feature a food booth, music in the arena auditorium and snow and ice painting.
“Cool ice canvas is an activity you do with snow and ice, so hopefully we have some of that,” said Wick-Graham.
Free skating and fireworks
Characters from the movie Frozen will be on the grounds greeting visitors, she added, and a team of fire artists will perform.
There will be free skating sponsored by the Palmerston Firefighters Association and the event will conclude with fireworks at 8pm.
“So there’s lots of time for adults to go out afterward, but it’s a fun event for the family and the kids,” said Wick Graham, noting admission will be by donation, thanks to the sponsorship of the Palmerston Blessings to You Centre and MSW Plastics.
Wick-Graham said organizers would welcome additional sponsors.
The town has applied for a Canada 150th celebration grant for the event, and Wick Graham said more activities will be added if the money comes through.
“There’s really not a lot of family New Year’s activities in the area so were hoping to draw from quite a radius,” she noted.
“I’m hearing good stuff on the streets already,” commented Mayor George Bridge.
