Winterfest, live music, food and games – Centennial Community and Recreation Association

At Port Union Winterfest 2024, Luna, a three-year old husky, impressed the crowd as owner Shahnoza Ayon showed off her tricks.

As a membership incentive to start the new year, we’ll be giving away three of these 16“ Benny the Bigfoot Squishmallows to three lucky residents who purchase their CCRA memberships by January 25. These cuddly collectibles are soft and squishy and very comforting to hug. The names of the winners will be drawn at the end of Winterfest.

By Julie Kish

Mark your calendars because Port Union Winterfest is returning for its 26th year! This popular family event will take place at the Port Union Community Centre on Saturday, January 25, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free!

Bring the family out to enjoy the games, entertainment, vendors and food! Most of the activities are outdoors so dress for the weather.

Our incredible Live Entertainment includes the Memory Lane Band, Shayne Ireland, Roger Beckett, Hula Dancers, Highland Dancers, and our fantastic local band, Port United.

Our Dog Show, run by Muddy Paws in the Guild, is back by popular demand. The show will feature “Best Dressed Dog” and “Best Trick.” There will be plenty of prizes donated by Oven-Baked Tradition, a Canadian-owned producer of pet food and irresistible treats. The show starts at 1 p.m. To enter your dog, email Derrick at: muddypawsguildwood@gmail.com.

Outside the front of the building, the Winter Market will consist of various vendors, so remember to bring some extra money to shop. Rouge Kitchen will return this year, offering their delectable Mac and Cheese.

The free Clothing Swap will also be back. Bring your gently used clothing and take away something you’d like to wear.

The food at Winterfest is always a hit. You can roast marshmallows over the fire and build your own s’mores. A hamburger, hotdog or veggie samosa meal with a drink will be available for only $4 (cash only).

The Rouge Butterflyway group will be demonstrating winter seed sowing. Drop by their table to create miniature greenhouses that will shelter the native plant seeds of your choice. If you can, bring a container with a clear lid, such as the large clamshells that fruit comes in.

If you are a student looking for community hours, go to portunionwinterfest.com, click the “Volunteer With Us” tab and sign up. Someone will be in touch with you.