Every year we try and celebrate winter at some point with a Winterfest Party. Sometimes it is at the winter solstice, sometimes during xmas break, sometimes on the Family Day weekend; it just depends on our schedule and the weather. This year we did it on what might be the last possible wintry day before the big melt starts. The recent snow and cold weather allowed us to build up our Chateau Frontenac replica toboggan run and even build a snowman.
The day broke with the sun shining and temperatures hovering around zero. Perfect conditions for all our outdoor activities.
We started the festivities off by all heading to the basement to mix bannock dough. Then it was time to head outside and cook it over the fire.
Of course, the parents ended up cooking the bannock while the kids went to have fun.
Who could blame them with a replica of the Chateau Frontenac toboggan run to play on.
An added feature was a box wall on the track that the kids could crash through.
Lots of fun in the snow fort, too!
We roasted all kinds of things over the open fire including …
… hot dogs, sausages, bacon fat, marshmallows and …
… world class bannock with freshly made homemade butter. We made the butter by taking turns shaking a jar filled with whipping cream.
We finished the day off with. what else, but freshly made maple taffy.
To make maple taffy bring maple syrup to a boil then pour it onto snow. What 30 seconds or so, then roll it up on a popsicle stick and enjoy.
This little guy is wondering how his disappeared so quickly.
And I wondered how the day passed so quickly. We had a blast setting up for the party and hosting our guests. Everyone brought some food to share and we feasted merrily the coming end of winter. Can’t wait until next year!
urbancampersite 