Meaford’s making the most of this strange winter – with the First Annual Winter Festival packing Family Day weekend with outdoor and indoor activities for all ages.

A lot of snow fell last weekend, and despite this week’s mild temps, the white stuff still drapes the ground and more’s predicted over the next couple of days. So no matter what it looks like “down country”, you can still find winter in Meaford.

The weekend kicks off tomorrow (Friday) with a Chamber of Commerce Ski Day at Beaver Valley Ski Club. This gives folks who wouldn’t normally have a chance to ski at the private club an opportunity to check out the runs and amenities. Your blogger has enjoyed these in the past, and even benefited from some great tips from Barry Altman, the Chamber Manager, who’s also a level 3 CSIA (and Level 1 telemark) ski instructor.

That night, at Meaford Hall, My Sweet Patootie (“two parts exemplary musicianship and one part vaudeville comedy,” according to Driftwood Magazine) performs clever, off-centre original songs with an old-time country feel and a modern swing. And for Family Day weekend, there’s a real deal for students on tickets

Get your team into the snowball tournament on Saturday! This organized battle of the balls combines the fun of a snowball fight with the thrill of competing for an actual goal. The sport originated in Japan and uses pre-made snowballs to ensure fairness, as well as rules and a capture-the-flag format.

Saturday also features food and special events at the Meaford Community Centre; a downtown scavenger hunt sponsored by the Meaford BIA; old-fashioned surrey rides through the historical streets of Meaford; and an open house at the Meaford Fire Hall (the new one on Stewart Street) where kids can meet Sparky, try on a firefighter’s uniform and sit in the fire engine.

Then, as darkness falls, prepare for winter chills of another sort. The Meaford Museum is offering ghost tours of the 1895 pump house that houses the museum. We have it on authority that you will be scared!

Sunday morning, head to the East Grey Anglers and Hunters Club on the Range Road for kids activities, including snowshoeing, archery and a bonfire.

Christ Church Anglican is celebrating its 150th anniversary, and the Sunday open house is a great chance to see the tour the building and see the renowned stained glass windows created from glass retrieved from bombed out European churches during WWII. (More on this soon.)

On Sunday night, head to Woodfords Community Centre for a night of Snowshoeing and Stargazing (and great ribs!). As darkness falls, you’ll hike out to the dark woods, far from artificial lights, and get a great view of the stars.

And to wrap up the long weekend, the Community Centre is offering free public skating (with a DJ), along with food, refreshments and other for the kids.

To get more details, visit here.