51st Sunnidale Winterama at Clearview

This charming small-town festival has celebrated winter in the village of New Lowell since 1975, and you can join the 51st annual gathering February 6 through 8, 2026. Dubbed “The Greatest Little Show on Snow,” this Winter Olympics-themed event kicks off Friday evening with a firefighters’ spaghetti dinner, $10 adults, at New Lowell Legion, followed by the Burning of the Green ceremony and NorthStar fireworks at 8:00 PM.

Saturday morning brings the famous Winterama Parade at 11:00 AM, followed by the hilarious Bed Races where teams of four runners push a decorated bed with one rider toward the trophy. Look for the Alpine Tubing Slide, Snowmageddon snowmobile show, and the Best Homemade Tarts Contest featuring butter tarts, fruit tarts, and mini cheesecakes.

Purchase your Winterama Button, $2, at Clearview Auto or the Legion for entry to most activities, and pick up commemorative merchandise while you are there.

Clearview Township connects to the internationally significant Minesing Wetlands, a 6,000-hectare expanse that represents the largest and most diverse wetland in southern Ontario. The Nottawasaga River flows through this remarkable landscape before reaching Georgian Bay at Wasaga Beach, the world’s longest freshwater beach. The 12-foot Minesing Waterfowl Tower at 4150 Concession Road 2 offers excellent birding views year-round.

For warming up after festival activities, The Old Mill House Pub in nearby Creemore has served home-cooked meals since 1927, while the Creemore Springs Brewery, founded in 1987, pours traditional copper-kettle brews. Fine-dining seekers should reserve at The Pine, a Michelin-recognized restaurant offering an $185 tasting menu.

Families can find cozy Georgian Bay cottages through Lake.com, with Blue Mountain and Collingwood accommodations just 20 minutes from the festival grounds. Free parking is available at New Lowell Recreation Park, and warming centers operate at the church, library, and fire hall throughout Saturday.