Weekends are heating up in Innisfil, just as the chilliest temperatures hit.
The town is bringing back its annual Winter Weekends event series in February, in hopes of encouraging residents to stay active and connected, even during the cold weather.
“It’s a month-long series that brings together community groups and the community itself,” coordinator Daniella Severino said. “We know February can be a bit gloomy. So the whole point is to have something for people to look forward to and engage themselves in throughout the month.”
So what’s in store this year? It kicks off with Breakfast with Council at the Innisfil Recreational Complex on Feb. 1, from 9 to 11 a.m. This is supported through the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) Community Recognition program and will feature a free breakfast, children’s music, giveaways, balloon twisting and a photo booth.
“OLG is proud of the support provided to Innisfil,” senior municipal relations manager Kathleen Devine said. “This includes funds for critical infrastructure projects … and for various local programs and community festivals. Each and every year, 100 per cent of OLG profits are reinvested in Ontario to support provincial priorities and help build stronger communities. We also appreciate the contribution of gaming employees at Gateway Casinos Innisfil who are making life in the Town of Innisfil that much better.”
Other elements of Winter Weekends include free public skating at the rec complex (Feb. 1 from 12:30 to 1:50 p.m.), Morgan Russell Memorial Arena and Community Centre (Feb. 15 from 4 to 5:20 p.m.), and Stroud Innisfil Community Centre (Feb. 16 from 1:30 to 2:50 p.m.).
Teen Winter Fun Night, featuring glow-in-the-dark outdoor skating, hot chocolate, music and games at Innisfil Town Square, happens Feb. 1 from 5 to 8 p.m.
“Innisfil’s Winter Weekends reminds us that the best way to enjoy winter is together,” Mayor Lynn Dollin said. “We’re thrilled to bring back fun events and showcase community-organized happenings that encourage residents to experience the warmth of our community, even in the chilliest season.”
But that’s not all. Winter Fun Day runs Feb. 8 at Town Square and the Innisfil ideaLAB and Library’s Lakeshore branch and features food trucks, maple pops, a vendor market, entertainment and outdoor skating. It goes from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“We’ll have a winter princess strolling around and fire skate shows, which is pretty cool,” Severino said. “I love Winter Fun Day because you get to experience a ton of fun things outdoors — there are so many options. But if it does get chilly, you can go indoors to the library, because we’re hosting activities in there.”
And Innisfil Community Events Corporation’s Polar Bear Dip runs Feb. 22. Registration for this plunge into Lake Simcoe is required, and money raised benefits the Innisfil Food Bank.
As well, the February Blues Festival, Cookstown Community Dance, Fall in Love with the Legion fundraiser, drop-in YMCA programs, and special Teen Nights activities are being linked in with Winter Weekends.
“There’s something going on every weekend, as well as throughout the weeks,” Severino said. “Everything is subject to change due to the weather, but we have a great lineup and we’re really excited. We hope everyone can have something to look forward to. It’s a good year — 2025 should be a year of experiencing new things. Give it a try and embrace winter.”
For more details and event updates, visit innisfil.ca/winterweekends.
