Parrsboro -
Plans were made and participants were ready, but there was one thing missing from last week's local winter festival activities - winter weather.
Mild temperatures and rain saw the cancellation of several outdoor events planned for later in the week, such as a coasting party at the Don Yorke Memorial Ball Field, a snowman competition at Ship's Company Theatre, and wagon rides around town.
"It's unfortunate, but that's the Maritimes for you," said Parrsboro recreation co-ordinator Marc Chagnon. "There's nothing you can do about it because it's going to happen regardless. Snow is snow and rain is rain, and we're getting into March."
Inclement weather also caused the cancellation of a planned bus trip to Ski Wentworth on Friday, a weekly event that had been picking up momentum as the winter went on.
Despite the cancellations, however, not all winter festival events were a bust. A snowshoeing trip to Wards Falls on Feb. 20 was well received with 18 participants turning out; free skates at the Lions Arena were well attended, while a ball hockey afternoon at the tennis court also drew an enthusiastic crowd. On the same day, an afternoon of hot chocolate and cake with the mayor, council and youth town council also received a good turnout.
"Thing went pretty well with the activities we were actually able to have," said Chagnon.
Snowshoe outings also took place earlier in the winter at Glooscap Park, and it has become a popular activity, according to Chagnon.
"It's something different, and equipment wasn't mandatory, so it made it easier for people to go ahead and do it," he said, explaining that the school had made available some snowshoe equipment. "People like going outdoors and doing stuff outside."
While the winter season seems to be winding down, he said he still might have a coasting event at the ball field this coming weekend, if the necessary snow arrives. Ball hockey might also become a regular event.
As for next year, he said he would like to see the county-wide festival take place a little earlier in the winter, although that might not be possible, as it was designed to coincide with Springhill's annual Chilly Willy Festival, which always takes place in late February.
"I would like to see it a tad earlier because then it would take pressure off the timing, and we're more apt to get snowier weather in the earlier months of winter," said Chagnon. "It's definitely something we're going to take to the table.
