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Winter carnival returning to downtown Penticton in 2025

The weekend-long Frost Fest is back in the South Okanagan this January
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The first Rail Jam in Penticton at Frost Fest 2024 saw skiers and snowboarders take to a man-made slope in the centre of the city to put on a display of their best tricks. (Brennan Phillips - Western News)

Penticton's newest winter tradition is set to be bigger and better in 2025.

Frost Fest, now with Valley First serving as the title sponsor, returns to Gyro Park from Jan. 17 to 19.

A movie night, hot air balloon glow-up display over Okanagan Lake, and skating with the Penticton Vees are among the new festivities planned this January.

鈥淲e are thrilled to welcome visitors and locals alike to Valley First Frost Fest, a celebration of everything that makes our community special,鈥 said Mayor Julius Bloomfield.

鈥淭his event brings people together, not just to watch, but to cheer on the snowboarders as they show off their skills in the rail jam in an exciting and family-friendly atmosphere. This event is the beginning of a new tradition, drawing even more excitement and energy to our city.鈥

The inaugural event took place in January 2024 and coincided with the B.C. Hockey League's All-Star Weekend on the city's outdoor rink. The league's all-star weekend is taking place in Salmon Arm in 2025.

Valley First Frost Fest organizers say several features from last year will return to Penticton in January. Among them include a family zone and rail jam snowboard event.

鈥淲e have partnered with Valley First to make this event even bigger and better, taking place over an entire weekend," said Jeff Plant, the city's sport and event supervisor.

"It all begins with a hot air balloon glow-up display over Okanagan Lake on Friday night, followed by a movie at the Cleland Theatre. Saturday鈥檚 lineup will include hockey and skating with the Penticton Vees, family-friendly activities and the snowboard pros throwing down their best tricks in the rail jam."

The free event will also feature a DJ, food vendors, beverage garden, polar bear swim, and pancake breakfast with the Penticton Fire Department.

City officials say more details and a final schedule for the weekend will be released in the coming days.



Logan Lockhart

About the Author: Logan Lockhart

I joined Black Press Media in 2021 after graduating from a pair of Toronto post-secondary institutions and working as a sports reporter for several different outlets.
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