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The Town of Smiths Falls has announced the return of the much-anticipated Winter Carnival on Saturday, Feb. 8. The town will be transformed into a winter wonderland, offering a variety of family-friendly events, activities, and entertainment at multiple locations throughout downtown and at the Smiths Falls Memorial Community Centre.
The day will kick off with a by-donation pancake breakfast at the Smiths Falls Royal Canadian Legion on Main Street East, while those looking for another tasty morning option can head to The Lighthouse Café on Russell Street East for an all-day waffle breakfast. Main Street West will be buzzing with Beaver Tails, games, and plenty of winter fun!
At Town Hall there will be horse drawn wagon rides, along with free Laser Tag that promises action-packed excitement for all ages.
At the Gerry Lowe Sens Rink of Dreams, visitors can lace up their skates for public skating or enjoy a spirited game of pickup ball hockey in the afternoon with the Smiths Falls Rideaus hockey team.
Over at Davidson’s Courtyard, enjoy chili courtesy of the Falls Food Hub, hot chocolate courtesy of Sip, and a cozy atmosphere and live music at The Healing Nook.
Later in the evening, the festivities continue with an Ottawa Jazz Festival satellite concert at Bowie’s on Russell Street, featuring Lynn Miles and Roddy Ellias, at 8 p.m. (tickets available in advance), and local brewery, 4 Degrees Brewing & Distilling will be hosting a karaoke night at The Taproom, at Settlers Ridge Centre.
Hockey fans can also cheer on the Smiths Falls Rideaus (1st) as they face off against the Gananoque Islanders (2nd) in an exciting home game at the arena, puck drop is at 7:30 p.m. in the Eastern Ontario Senior Hockey League. These two teams are one and two respectively in the Lakes Division of the Western Conference.
“This year’s Winter Carnival truly has something for everyone,” said Julia Crowder, manager of Economic Development & Tourism. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the season, connect with friends and family, and support our local businesses and community groups.”
For the full schedule of events and locations, visit smithsfalls.ca/visit – and don’t forget to sign up for the weekly What’s Happening newsletter. Grab your skates, bundle up and join in the fun at this year’s Smiths Falls Winter Carnival!