I Love Thorndale Winter Carnival to offer plenty of family fun

Horse-drawn sleigh rides at the 2016 I Love Thorndale Winter Carnival.

By Nancy Abra

Family Day, created by the Ontario provincial government as a statutory holiday between New Years Day and Good Friday, was first observed on Feb. 18, 2008, to promote work-life balance and allow time for families to connect during the long winter stretch.

And what better way to celebrate Family Day than a winter carnival?

The I Love Thorndale (ILT) directors are please to announce the return of the Thorndale Winter Carnival on Family Day, Monday Feb. 16. Along with leadership from ILT, this event is also supported by a coalition of Thorndale community service clubs, other organizations and a local church.

The Mt. Olivett Masons, Thorndale Lions, Thorndale Agricultural Society and Thorndale United Church have family-fun winter outdoor activities planned. For anyone who is a railroad enthusiast, the Thames Valley Railroad Club will have their doors open for everyone to check out their model railroad setup. It is amazing.

As for indoor events, there will be lots of activities for families with kids of all ages. ILT will have fun carnival games sponsored by the Thorndale Repair Shop in rooms 1 and 2. Tables of board games are available in meeting room 3 for families to play. The gym will feature crafts for children and other entertainment. Thorndale Country Mills and TRS Components Ltd. are sponsoring facepainting and a magic show by Dotty the Clown.

There will be karate demonstrations by Stonetown Karate Centre and musical entertainment by Nova Music Academy planned that will also take place in the gym. Regarding refreshments, the Thorndale Optimists are providing and serving up hot dogs, while the Thames Centre Community Choir is overseeing the hot-chocolate bar.

The ILT 2026 Thorndale Winter Carnival is a fantastic opportunity to connect with friends and neighbours in our growing community. Running from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Thorndale Lions Community Centre, this free event promises plenty of family-friendly fun.