A seasonal tradition returns to Fort Frances this weekend.
Snoasis offers a variety of family events at the Rainy Lake Square and the Fort Frances Museum.
Spokesperson Samantha Manty says the celebration of winter has been around for over decade.
“It has grown substantially since the first original Snowasis that we had at the East End Hall with skating and snow sculptures and things. It has moved around the community, but now it has been a staple at the Rainy Lake Square and at the museum,” says Manty.
Manty says they have also grown with other community partners joininng to offer programs.
This year, the Fort Frances Public Library and Technology Centre will host various activities that include an indoor ice fishing activity.
At the Square, the Fort Frances Kiwanis Club will host a barbeque.
Sunset County Metis Association will have a fire pit where you can roast bannock on a stick.
There will also be a variety of outdoor games such as ice bowling, glacier golf and a treasure hunt.
Manty says a section of Scott Street will be blocked off to permit the area’s emergency services to display their vehicles.
The museum will be open, with the Friends of the Library service hot chocolate and cookies on the second floor.
There will also be face painting and Metis games and jigging.
Closing out the day will be a free family skate at the 52 Canadians Rink.
“One thing to note is if they are going to participate in the skate, helmets are required for all participants and they also must sign in and complete a little waiver.”
“The Friends of the museum group, they put their heart behind this event. They started planning this year’s event in 2023 and they fund and get everything donated so that this event can stay free and accessible to families.”
Other partners include The Waking Up Ojibwe team at Seven Generations Education Institute, the Fort Frances Public Library and Technology Center, the Friends of the Library, the Fort Frances, Kiwanis Club, Northwestern Ontario Child and Family Services, Rainy River District Emergency Services, Sunset Country Metis Council, the town of Fort Francis, and several volunteers.
