Weather stays cool, allowing winter fun to continue
Clear skies and a bright winter sun set the stage for this year’s annual Snow Blast, held Feb. 14–16 across the District of Carleton North (DCN).
Bath, Centreville, and Florenceville-Bristol each took a turn hosting skating, sliding, and indoor warm-ups. The hill at the Northern Carleton Civic Centre was in perfect shape for the much-anticipated Day Three Cardboard Classic sled race.
“Our three-day Snow Blast Winter Festival was an absolute joy,” said organizer and Tourism, Heritage and Culture Manager for DCN, Sharon Johnston. “Families came out to create lasting winter memories, and the gorgeous weather provided the perfect backdrop.”
“It was a real good time,” said DCN Mayor and snow taffy Server, Andrew Harvey. “The weather co-operated, and there was a great turnout.”
Day one fun
The weekend opened in Bath with activities at the town office and outdoor rink. Members of the Carleton North High School hockey team joined skaters on the ice. Nearby, a fire pit stayed lit as people moved among the rink, hot chocolate, and taffy on the snow, all served by Sugar Moon Cookhouse. And the Groovy Girls were on hand to give the perfect face painting job for those who wanted to add a bit of flash to their day.
After an active first day, the Water Boil competition offered a hands-on winter challenge, with kids racing to bring water to a boil using their own fire-starting setups.
Snowblast day two
Building on the energy in Bath, the second day’s events moved to Centreville, where the Community School served as the hub. The Kin Club’s sliding party brought families to the hill, the outdoor rink remained open nearby, and Valley Outdoor Centre opened its trails for free cross-country skiing.
Saturday night added live music to the weekend’s schedule, with Carleton County’s own Martin Boys performing as part of the Snow Blast celebration. The Woodstock brothers, Macauley and Micah Martin, closed out the evening with a much-anticipated show.
“It was amazing to play in front of a crowd of people that we’ve seen at many of our shows growing up,” Macaulay told the River Valley Sun.
The boys took the stage as a stripped-down country duo, sans drums or band.
“We don’t get to do many duo gigs anymore so it was a really different and more intimate setting than we’ve gotten accustomed to,” he added. “It was a welcoming sight to see so many community members come out and have a good time.”
Last day of festival
The final day of Snow Blast moved to Florenceville-Bristol, with the Northern Carleton Civic Centre serving as the main site.
Face painting ran in the lobby through Groovy Girls Gallery, while hot chocolate waited outside.
Mayor Harvey served taffy on the snow to eager kids and adults alike, while the rink hosted free public skating throughout the late morning and early afternoon.
The weekend wrapped up with a free spaghetti supper at Bristol Free Will Baptist Church.
The Cardboard Classic Race once again served as the highlight event of the weekend.
Homemade sleds, showing hours of careful, purposeful work, lined up for runs down the hill as their young creators gathered eagerly behind.
Families, friends and community members gathered along the course under sunny skies, which held through the afternoon at about -4 °C.
The competition was fierce, and the hill was slick and ready. When asked if she was going to win the race, seven-year-old Ellie Tribe replied, “Yes. Can I please go have some taffy in the snow now?”
“My dad thinks it’s gonna tip,” said Anthony Klassin, age 12.
Other competitors had their game plan lined out.
“Because I’m a girl,” said Octavia Morehouse, “when I’m getting ready to go, I’ll yell GIRL-POWER! and then go!”
With the final sleds down the hill and cheers from the crowd now a happy memory, Snow Blast 2026 closed out another well-attended winter weekend across the District of Carleton North.
If the excitement on the hill was any indication, there are already a few young racers thinking about their designs for next year’s Cardboard Classic event.
The following is a list of all the Cardboard Classic winners. Congratulations to all who participated!
Ages 4–8
Overall Winner: Aidyn Klassen
Best Construction: Gabriel Morehouse
Best Originality: Paisley Wasson
Best Design: Mackenzie Crawford
Ages 9–12
Overall Winner: Freya Janes
Best Construction: Freya Janes
Best Originality: Camden Foster
Best Design: Oakley Spicer
Ages 13+
Overall Winner: Kyler Jimmerfield
