Snowballs and slap shots new for “Shelbrrfest”

February 5, 2016 · 0 Comments

Shelbrrfest returns February 15 to celebrate Family Day, and all the traditional outdoor fun that comes with great Canadian winters.

This year, the organizers have added more events, including a new snow ball throw hosted by Shelburne Minor Ball, and a slap shot contest hosted by the Shelburne Muskies, which will make this year even better due to the club’s “awesome support,” said Committee Chair Dan Sample.

The snow-filled activities will begin at 11 a.m. at Fiddle Park, off of 2^nd Line south of No Frills.

It is the second year for the event, first organized by Councillor Dan Sample and his wife Cherie in 2015 to bring the community together in the dark days of February and beat the winter blues.

The event is held in conjunction with the Kin Clubs of Shelburne and with significant help from local business sponsorships.

The 2016 Shelbrrfest Committee includes Dan Sample as Chair, Francine Burt as Vice Chair, Sandra Cormier as Secretary, and Tom Egan as Treasurer. Additional members include Cherie Sample, Nikki Williams, Bob Turnbull, and Christine Walker.

Organizers accomplished their goal last year, bringing in over 400 happy Shelburne and area residents to join in the activities, raising approximately $800 in donations at the gate.

Many positive comments could be heard throughout the day and everyone hoped the event would return.

“This is an amazing event for all ages to come out and enjoy a snowy day in Shelburne,” says Councillor Sample.

“Everything we had last year will return this year,” along with the new snowball and slap shot contests.

Vintage Snowmobile is expected to show some old model snowmobiles and there will be a horse and wagon ride.

Sure to be popular again this year are the snow riding tubes with the tube hill designed by Quail Construction and sponsored by the Beavers and Cubs of Shelburne.

Good Dog Carting will be able to take the kids for a dog cart ride for only $2 once again this year.

In 2015, the hard work dogs and their owners raised $450 for the Shepherd’s Cupboard Food Bank to purchase pet food for clients in need of assistance.

This year, the money raised from the dog sled rides will go to the Off Leash Park Committee.

Families will also be able to take a tour of the Shelburne Police Service vehicle and ask questions of Town Officers.

Shelburne and District Fire Board will have the fire truck on display, manned by local fireman ready to answer questions about fire safety for families.

Once again, the fire warming station, with wood donated by Stump Busters, will be available for warming up between climbs on “snow mountain.”

From the top of the mountain, families will be able to get a great view of the sites, including the school snow castles.

Last year’s castle competition was won by Centennial Hylands P.S., which received $800 towards a new computer by event sponsors.

LP Stage Productions will be performing at the event presenting music from past productions as they warm up for their latest production The Wizard of Oz coming this May to Grace Tipling Hall.

The Kinette kitchen will be busy serving up hot dogs, French fries and hot chocolate to go with the fun and entertainment.

Councillor Sample says the Committee hopes to see even better attendance this year.

“That is why we need to keep adding new things for families to do,” he said.

Funding and volunteers are need, he told the Free Press.

“Without the volunteers, this event would not run. It is great to see volunteers help out and be part of the community. Without sponsors, again, it would be difficult to run – from money donations to time and equipment to help set this event up.”

Organizers send out thanks all sponsors who returned as well as ten more new businesses from Shelburne: