Planning is underway for the return of Valley First Frost Fest Winter Carnival, with new activities and events making this outdoor festival the largest of its kind throughout the South Okanagan.
“We are thrilled to welcome visitors and locals alike to Valley First Frost Fest, a celebration of everything that makes our community special,” says Mayor Julius Bloomfield. “This 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.”
Building off last year’s success, Frost Fest is returning with Valley First as the title sponsor as the event grows in scope with exciting new features.
“I think I speak for the entire Valley First team in Penticton when I say how excited we are for Frost Fest,” says Simon Mills, the president of Valley First. “Our cooperative is all about helping the community flourish. We do this not only by supporting local families and businesses with expert financial advice, but also by joining with like-minded partners and together enabling community-building events like Valley First Frost Fest to offer free admission to outdoor events, so that everyone can be part of the fun.”
All the outdoor events will take place in downtown Penticton in and around Gyro Park from January 17 to 19, 2025, including the Kidzfest Family Zone presented by FortisBC. The rail jam event will attract competitors from throughout the region to show off their skills on the 17-foot-high, snow-covered structure.
“We have partnered with Valley First to make this event even bigger and better, taking place over an entire weekend. It all begins with a hot air balloon glow-up display over Okanagan Lake as well as the Frost Fest Gala Presented by Poplar Grove on the Friday night, followed by a movie at the Cleland Theatre,” says Jeff Plant, the City of Penticton’s sport and event supervisor. “Saturday’s 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”
Valley First Frost Fest will also have a DJ, food vendors and a beverage garden, wrapping up on the Sunday with a KISU Polar Bear Swim and pancake breakfast with the Penticton Fire Department.
The City’s events team is also working with local partners and sponsors including, Apex Mountain Resort, the Penticton Vees, Freeride Boardshop, Big Steel Box, Wildstone Construction, Apex Freestyle Club, Home Hardware, Trademark Industries, Superior Septic Services Inc and KDL Scaffold.
For more information or to register as participant or vendor, visit penticton.ca/frost-fest.
More details and a final schedule will be announced in the coming weeks.