Winnipeggers emerge from the cold to enjoy weekend of winter events

Winnipeggers who endured cabin fever during the recent cold snap had the chance to get out and have some winter fun at several events this weekend.

The West Broadway Snowball Winter Carnival took place Saturday in West Broadway, while theWinterscape International Ice Carving Competition and Manitoba Outdoors Show run Saturdayand Sunday.

The latter, in its sixth year, is an interactive event at the Red River Exhibition Park promoting active outdoor activitiesincluding fishing, ice fishing, hiking, archery, scuba diving, camping, cycling, hunting, kayaking, paddle-boardingand a range of other adventure-oriented programming.

"Our province is amazing most of us really don't grasp what is all available in Manitoba," John Falk, owner of the Manitoba Outdoors Show, told CBCWeekend Morning Showhost Keisha Paul"This show gives you a little bit of a glimpse into some of the possibilities that are out there that maybe you've never thought about."

Falk says the main purpose is to expose kids and families to outdoorsy activities in Manitoba:Young people under the age of 18 get in free.

More than 100 exhibits and speakers are taking part, includingthe Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre,Ducks Unlimited Canada, the Manitoba Camping Association, Diver City Scuba, Embark and Explore, Hike Manitoba, various lodges, resorts and more.

The 20th annual Snowball Carnival in West Broadway at 185 Young St. includesfree food, fireside activities, dog sled rides, tobogganing, an animal hide tanning tutorial, bannock making, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, skatingand more.

"Winter can get a bad rap in Winnipeg, but we all think there's a lot to celebrate about winter," said Kelly Frazer, executive director of the West Broadway Community Organization.

Frazer said to expect a surprise appeared from the West Broadway yeti as well.

"We don't know where the yeti is the rest of the year very mysterious creaturecomes out to give hugs and greet the community," Frazer said.

Everything is free at the volunteer-run carnival, which goes until 4 p.m. Saturday.

The Winterscape International Ice Carving Competition at Upper Fort Garry Park at 130 Main St. is also on the weekend agenda.

Teamsfrom Canada, the Netherlands, Malaysia, Mexico and the Philippines will be carving from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, and then again on Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. followed by an awards ceremony at 4 p.m.

More from CBC Manitoba: