The temperature in Riding Mountain National Park is about to heat up this weekend.
In more ways than one. We can expect a high of minus 14 on Friday. Then on Saturday and Sunday, highs of minus 4 and plus three are forecasted. The weather will be gorgeous.
On top of that, Friends of RMNP is hosting its 21st annual Winter Adventure Weekend from Friday to Sunday. George Hartlen is the CEO of Friends of RMNP.
"After the week and a half of deep freeze temperatures, these rebounding temperatures are creating lots of excitement for getting people outdoors," said Hartlen. "We've had lots of interest in different activities. People are just excited to get outside to enjoy the weather."
The festivities open on Friday with the Onanole and Area hockey tournament at the Onanole Rec Centre starting at 6:30. There is live music at the Lakehouse at 7:00, then again at 8:30 at the Elkhorn Resort Buffalo Bar. The hockey tournament and both concerts are free.
"We'll be doing things like a hot dog BBQ fundraiser on Saturday," added Hartlen. "We've got winter scavenger hunts. There will be a group snowshoe and snow carving. There will be live music in the Klar-So snow pavilion."
There will be a social on Saturday night starting at 9:00 at the Onanole Rec Centre. On Sunday, there's public skating at the Rec Centre, a chili and bun fundraiser, and kids' snow painting.
Hartlen says this is always a weekend that many circle on their calendars.
"This is one of the big events that happen here during the winter season," continued Hartlen. "It's a great opportunity to get outdoors and to embrace winter. There is so much planned here."
Regardless of whether you're five or 95, there's something for you. A majority of the events are free.
So whether you're taking a solo trip or heading down with the family, the Winter Adventure Weekend in Riding Mountain National Park is ready to welcome you.
"Yes, exactly. It's for little kids to seniors, and everything in between," ended Hartlen. "Get outside, have some fun, and enjoy everything that RMNP has to offer."
You can see a full weekend schedule here.
