Castor’s recently resurrected WinterFest is returning this February.
This will be the third year returned for the community and happens to be the 40th anniversary as well.
New to the 2024 event is the return of the WinterFest Royalty. Nominations for the royalty went out in December and have been narrowed down to three community supporters: Don Sisson, Erma Marquart and Abbie Boxma.
“People can vote with their wallet,” said Diana Boxma, who heads the WinterFest organizational committee.
Jars are set up at several places around Castor. People can vote for their choice of Royalty by donating cash to the corresponding jar; whichever person raises the most money at the end will be crowned.
People can vote at The Purple Platypus, the Castor Public Library or Scissors Hair Co. For those wishing to donate a larger amount to vote, contact Boxma and receipts can be arranged.
The jars for voting will be in place until the end of the day on Feb. 3.
Also new to the 2024 event is the return of the teamsters.
Boxma says that the committee is seeking people and their horse teams to participate in a cutting parade, with a social to follow afterwards. The parade will take place on Feb. 11.
Returning from the 2023 event is the winter squash bench show, taking place at the Castor Community Hall.
Categories for the show will include longest, best, ugliest and royalty (decorated).
Also returning is the chilli cookoff!
“We’re hoping we can do even bigger this year,” said Boxma.
In 2023, around 25 entries took part in the cookoff, and for 2024 Boxma says they are trying to increase that number.
To entice people, they have managed to get some great prizes donated.
There will be ribbons for first, second and third-place finishes, as well as corresponding prizes.
In addition, there will be five random prizes awarded as well.
Provided there is enough snow, the ever-popular snow sculpture contest will be making a return, and the Town of Castor has already agreed to deliver snow to those who want it.
According to Boxma, most of the activity will be occurring on Feb. 11, and other activities happening include sleigh rides, a farmer’s market and a cowboy camp set up near the Castor Museum Elevator.
The final schedule of events has not yet been finalized but will be released soon.
Boxma says that WinterFest needs volunteers as well, and anyone with time to donate a few hours would be appreciated.
“As a young person, it is great to show volunteering on your resume,” said Boxma.
For more information, to register for the chilli cookoff or snow dropoff, contact Boxma at 403-740-5265, by email at castorwinterfest@gmail.com, or on Facebook.
