AMHERST, N.S. – Amherst is getting ready to show a little heart.
The town’s fifth annual Winter Carnival, celebrating heart, culture and play, is set to begin on Tuesday, Feb. 12 and continues through Heritage Day, Monday, Feb. 18.
“There really is something for people of all ages,” Amherst’s culture, events and marketing co-ordinator Jennifer Bickerton said. “There are more than 100 events packed into seven days and we’re optimistic this will be our biggest and best winter carnival yet.”
Some of the highlights include the annual Athletic Achievers Night at the Community Credit Union Business Innovation Centre on the opening day, Feb. 12, while A Valentine’s Comedy Night with Dylan Mahaney will be held Feb. 14 at the credit union centre and the Flag Day ceremony is set for Feb. 15.
Another highlight is alpine curling, or eisstock, at the downtown skating surface on Wednesday, Feb. 13 from 2 to 4 p.m.
The always popular Amherst Valentines Run (featuring distances of three, five and 10 kilometer and a half marathon) will be held on Saturday, Feb. 16, as will the CCMHA Novice Jamboree at the Amherst Stadium, a Wellness Expo at Dayle’s Grand Market and the Chili Cook Off in which Deputy Mayor Sheila Christie will attempt to win her third consecutive chili challenge against other local politicians.
Children can play street hockey with members of the Amherst CIBC Wood Gundy Ramblers at Dickey Park on Sunday, Feb. 17 as part of the Outdoor Play Day while there will be a doggie social at the dog park at Dickey Park and horse and wagon rides.
Heritage Day features a Maritime Story Telling Circle at the Community Credit Union Business Innovation Centre, an East Coast Art Party at the Old Warehouse Café, the Heritage Classic featuring the Amherst Ramblers against the Truro Bearcats followed by a skate with the Ramblers.
“Something we’re seeing this year is a number of workshops throughout the week,” active living co-ordinator Tamara Porter said. “We have had a lot more groups get involved this year with some new events.”
There is a nutrition workshop at Amherst Superstore and a sketch/drawing class at Focal Point Photography, a social media marketing workshop at Dayle’s Grand Market and a detox, sleep and breath workshop and couples massage workshop with Stephanie Allen at the credit union centre, a needle felting workshop at Dayle’s Grand Market, Simply for Life cooking class and a hooking owls with Logan workshop at 33 Church St.
There are many other events taking place, including regular weekly activities such as the fire department’s bingo on Feb. 12, the Bordertown Jam at Trinity-St. Stephen’s United Church and Adult Multisport on Feb. 13 and the Amherst Farmers Market on Feb. 15.
For more details go to the town’s recreation Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/amherstrecreation).
