Winterfest was back, and better than ever! Fun and inviting activities brought the Tantramar community together once again, adding light to the dark winter slum. Every year, the event offers outdoor fun, warm meals, arts and crafts activities, markets, and lively entertainment. A variety of event planners, businesses, and locals get involved to create the hospitable atmosphere of the festival every February. Winterfest is one of the many community-bonding events that keep the municipality alive, even in the dead of winter.
From February 1 to February 9, 2025, Tantramar hosted the lively celebration, offering a variety of family-friendly activities. It kicked off with Church by the Lake, who hosted a Women’s Dessert Night, featuring live music and sweets.
Sometimes, it can be hard to get moving in the winter, but Winterfest held an array of physical activities and entertainment. This included pickleball, skating, hiking, swimming, a hockey game, and even an indoor snowball fight.
Additionally, the Sackville Public Library hosted kids’ activities such as a science hour, crafts and button making, winter-themed storytime, and valentine card making. The festival featured entertainment like the Don Bernard Magic Show, Ice Sculpture Creation with ice artist Richard Chaisson, MTA Music Faculty Recital: Songs for Guitar, and a Sackville Curling Club Open House.
The weekend of February 7 offered many opportunities for the community to get social! Frosty Frolic, hosted at the Drew Nursing Home, allowed guests to socialize in a festive atmosphere with live music, dancing, and refreshments. The Frosty Outdoor Party and BBQ hosted by the Tantramar Scouts took place at the Bill Johnstone Memorial Park followed by a Winterfest fireworks show.
Fantastic food from local businesses were a highlight of the celebration. Ducks Aren’t Real served New Orleans classic cocktails with a Cajun-inspired menu. The Firefighter’s Breakfast in Sackville and a community breakfast in Dorchester were both nice ways to warm up for Saturday’s festivities.
One of the most relaxing events of the festival was the Winter Jazz show in the Parlour at Cranewood on Main. Retro Kissed Events hosted yet another successful evening of classical music in the parlour. Local cafe and bakery Cranewood on Main was filled with the sweet scent of warm beverages and the sound of jazz, modern blues and ballads on the night of February 8. Not only were there live musical performances, but there was also an artisan market, with local vendors set up across the café. Homemade pottery, lavender products, tea, treats, jewelry, and other stunning pieces of art were for sale. Meanwhile, in the parlour room, musicians Robby Robichaud, Johan Kjolbro, and Mike Melanson shared their wonderful melodies with the audience. Their music brought a calm and introspective ambiance to the room. The night truly felt like a classical 1920s get-together—minus the modern technology. Some attendees came in wearing classy attire, which added to the spirit of the evening. I left the event feeling at peace, having just listened to such talent, and having had the opportunity to socialize and meet new like-minded people.
Winterfest has had its 18th successful year of fun-filled activities, amazing entertainment, and delicious food. Not only did the celebration bring amusement to the community, but some of the events were for charity. Lots of donations to local organizations, such as the Sackville Food Bank, were encouraged during the festival. The Sweetest Little Thing Art Auction will be ongoing until February 14, with proceeds from this event going to Owens Art Gallery and Struts Gallery. Celebrations like this emphasize on the importance of bringing the community together, especially during times like these. They are what makes Tantramar such a tight-knit, special place.
