A family New Year’s Eve event featuring camp fires, sled dogs and skating was a big hit, drawing hundreds of revelers.
The town and Minto Fire hosted the event, dubbed Fire and Ice, at the Palmerston arena from 5 to 8pm on Dec. 31, as a kick off to celebrations for Canada’s 150th birthday in 2017.
In partnership with the Ontario Federation of Dog Sled Sports and organizers of the Guelph Dog Sled races, the event featured dog sled demonstrations, rides for youngsters and an opportunity for attendees to take photos with the dogs and ask questions of owners.
Families in attendance enjoyed hot chocolate and s’mores around outdoor fire pits set up for the event, which also featured a food booth, music in the arena auditorium, snow and ice painting, skating and fireworks.
“We were very pleased with the turnout for the event and the overwhelming number of positive comments we received,” said Minto economic and business manager Belinda Wick-Graham.
She estimated “easily 500-plus” from the Town of Minto and the surrounding area attended.
“We were proud to offer a family-friendly option for new years,” said Wick Graham.
“Ideas are already being discussed for next year as many people were requesting we have it again.”
