Introduction
Sunnidale Winterama is a winter-themed festival presented by Clearview Township and has celebrated winter activities since 1975 in the village of New Lowell. Touting itself as "the greatest little show on snow", active volunteers known as the "Friends of Winterama" have organized this multi-day event filled with great family fun!
The Winterama weekend this year is from January 31 to February 2, 2025. The Friends of the Winterama volunteers are continuing with the Snow Sculpture Photo Contest, Best Beard Growing Contest and the Poster/Colouring Sheet Contest. The full event schedule can be viewed in the brochure (January TBD)
Get your Buttons! The buttons, a popular collector item since 1975, will be on sale starting in January 2025. The cost is only $2 per button. Email sunnidalewinterama@gmail.com to arrange to purchase buttons for your entire family! Buttons will also be available at Clearview Auto, Creemore Coffee Company, New Lowell Legion and all-weekend long!
Sponsors/Donors Needed for the Fireworks! The Friends of Winterama Committee are seeking community donations to help fund the Winterama Fireworks happening on Friday January 31 at the New Lowell Recreation Park. The fireworks show is presented by NorthStar Fireworks.
Like so many other community projects and events, costs are increasing and we need to fundraise in the community to help put an amazing fireworks show! Email Amanda for details at amurray@clearview.ca | Charitable tax receipts for individuals donating more than $25.00.
Support the New Lowell Legion Branch 516 - Friday nights between 6 pm-8 pm, the Kitchen is open for Take Out. Phone call orders not accepted; please show up in person. Info: 705-424-1621. (There are some closures due to special events and Wing Night on Friday Jan. 31)
Get 'Social' with Winterama
Facebook: /sunnidalewinterama
Instagram: @sunnidalewinterama
Event and Volunteer Information
The Best Beard Competition returns to Winterama.
How to participate:
1. Start your Beard or use the one you have.
2. Take a picture of the before or stop into the New Lowell Legion and see Chuck.
3. Beards will be judged on Friday January 31 during the Spaghetti Dinner. All contestants and the winner’s photos will be posted on Facebook & Instagram, once judging is complete. By entering this contest, you agree to have your photo used for future promotions unless otherwise notified in writing.
4. You must have a Winterama Button ($2.00) to enter the Contests.Awards for Best Beard, Best Santa Beard, Newly Started Beard and Honourable Mention!
Trophy and bragging rights. Grow on! Let's see the best beards in Clearview Township.
The Friends of Winterama want to see as many Snow Sculptures as possible! Gather your household, wear your warmest mittens and get building a snow sculpture. This year's theme is "Celebrating 50 years" or incorporate any of your favourite Winterama memories.
How to participate:
1. Build your Sculpture anytime between now and January 27th.
2. Take a picture of your work of snow-art
3. Email it with “Snow Sculpture Contest” in the subject line by January 27th. Include your address, phone number and contact name of at least one family member.
4. Snow sculptures winners will be announced during the Spaghetti Dinner. All contestants and the winner’s photos will be posted on Facebook and Instagram once judging is complete. Photos will be used for promotional materials in the future, unless otherwise indicated in writing.No prizes, just bragging rights!
Colouring Contest 2025
- Categories are open to any student attending a Clearview school or a school-age child that lives in Clearview Township.
- Kindergarten
- Grade 1
- Grade 2
Submit a digital copy or photograph by email by January 24th at 4:00pm with "Colouring Contest" in the subject line. Each colouring sheet needs to include the First & Last Name of Child, School, and Grade. Volunteers will also pick up at the school by 4:00pm on January 24th.
Poster Contest 2025
- Categories are open to any student attending a Clearview school or a school-age child that lives in Clearview Township.
- Grades 3 and 4
- Grades 5 and 6
The poster template is landscape orientation on the page (long edge on top of page). Paper size is 11x17. Using the template provided, create a picture for the poster with at least 1 penguin that conveys the theme “Celebrating 50 Years”.
- Grades 7 and 8 Free-hand
- The poster is landscape orientation on the page (long edge on top of page) and 11x17 size.
- Grades 7 and 8 Computer-assisted:
o The poster may be created using computer software.
o The poster is landscape orientation on the page (long edge on top of page) - Must include:
- Sunnidale Winterama
- January 31 - February 2, 2025
- Incorporate the 2025 theme: Celebrating 50 years
- 1 penguin
- Landscape format only (long edge of paper), 11x17 size paper
Submit a digital copy or photograph by email by January 24th at 4:00 PM with "Poster Contest" in the subject line. Each poster needs to include the First & Last Name of the Child, School, and Grade.
Prizes for the Colouring Sheet and Poster Contest will be given to children during the Opening Ceremonies on Saturday, February 1 at 11:30 AM, New Lowell Recreation Park.
- Categories are open to any student attending a Clearview school or a school-age child that lives in Clearview Township.
The Craft & Vendor Market will be at the New Lowell Legion on Saturday February 1 from 9 AM-3 PM. Come out and support local artisans, vendors and small businesses!
Don't miss the Church Pies at the United Church, on sale Saturday February 1 starting at 11 AM, until 2 PM or sold out!*Vendor applications are now open on a first come first serve basis.
The Burning of the Green will be on Friday, January 31, starting at 7:20PM at the New Lowell Recreation Park.
North Star Fireworks starts at 8PM.
Hot chocolate & popcorn for sale at the Food Booth starting at 7:00PM.
Watch the New Lowell Firefighters Facebook page for organized pickup times for your ol' Christmas trees. You're encouraged to bring the trees to the New Lowell Park anytime after December 26th.
Support the New Lowell/Sunnidale Firefighters Association at the annual Silent Auction. Proceeds from the Silent Auction will support the New Lowell Public School "Playground Equipment" and Camp BUCKO.
Come and visit the new Fire Hall and support the Silent Auction on Friday night at 7PM and Saturday until 2PM.
Friday Night WINTERAMA Trivia
$30 per team/table for up to 6 people on a team. Everyone needs a button to play! Doors open at 8:30 PM, show starts at 9:00 PM. Advance tickets online are $30 per team. Tickets at the door are $35 per table (cash only), if available. There will be four rounds of trivia with a grand prize for the Smartest Team. Bragging rights and prizes!
Buy tickets online: https://www.ticketscene.ca/events/50183/
Saturday Wings & Hilarious Things Comedy Night
Doors open for Wings at 6PM - 9PM. Cash only. You must have a ticket for the Comedy Night to stay past 9PM.
Doors open for the Comedy at 8:30 PM, show starts at 9:00 PM. 19+ event. Advance tickets are $20 per person and only available until Friday January 31 at 12PM. Tickets at the door are $25 per person (cash only).
Ticketscene link: https://www.ticketscene.ca/events/50182/
Spaghetti Dinner
Come out and support the Sunnidale Firefighters' Association at the annual Spaghetti Dinner. Friday, January 31 at the New Lowell Legion from 4:30 PM - 7:00 PM. Proceeds to support the Sunnidale Firefighters' Association antique fire truck.
$10 for 13yrs and older | $5 for ages 6-12yrs old | 5 & under Free
Don't miss the Beard Contest Judging at 6:30 PM and meet Winterama Willie. Come and see the winners of the poster contest on display.
Pancake & Sausage Breakfast
The Pancake & Sausage Breakfast is prepared by Winterama volunteers, Tim Hoover & friends and will take place at the New Lowell Legion.
Saturday, February 1, from 8 AM-10 AM (before the Parade!)$8 for 13+ and older | $5 for ages 6-12yrs | 5 and under FREE
Food Booth
Open on Friday, January 31 from 7 PM-8 PM - Popcorn & Hot Chocolate
Open on Saturday, February 1 from after the Parade, approximately 11 AM until 3 PM.
Don't forget to buy your commemorative Winterama 2025 button for $2.00 and commemorative 50th Anniversary merchandise. Prior years' buttons will be available too!
Big Breakfast
The New Lowell Legion is preparing the BIG Breakfast on Sunday, February 2nd from 9 AM-12 PM. Eggs, bacon, sausage & toast | $8 per person
Snowmobile Show & Shine - 9AM-1PM.
Loud Pipe Contest - 1PM
Sno-deo Challenge
The ultimate snowmobile meets outdoors challenge competition.
Starting at 1PM at the New Lowell Recreation Park Soccer Fields.
Eligible competitors must be 12 years or older and possess a valid insurance, snowmobile license or drivers license. Teams consist of 2 team members and must provide their own snowmobile.
Limited Space: Maximum 12 teams. Staging and parking - please enter on the west side of New Lowell Park.Please call JT Powersports to register at (705)424-1691
HOW DOES IT WORK?
This is a timed competition, on a closed course.Step1 before starting the race. Team must remove their snowmobile belt. Once timer is started you must install the belt, making sure all guards are returned into place, start snowmobile and proceed to first check point.
Check Point 1 – stop snowmobile, turn off snowmobile, hook onto sleigh, start snowmobile and proceed to check point 2.
Check Point 2 – each teammate must cut a log with hand saw or buck saw before proceeding to check point 3
Check Point 3 – load logs onto sleigh and complete 1 full lap and return to check point 3. Turn off snowmobile, unload logs before removing sleigh. Then proceed to check point 4
Check Point 4- turn off snowmobile, start fire at designated spot, both team mates to run to final check point where both teammates must hit the final buzzer to register their time.Come to the Park and watch the Police Dog demonstrations!
Saturday, February 1st after the Children's Games in the Parade and at the New Lowell Recreation Park.
The Winterama Parade is on Saturday morning. Parade staging starts at 10:30 AM at Greengage Rd. The Parade starts at 11 AM and finishes at the New Lowell Recreation Park. Parade Float Registration is now open. There is no cost to participate. The trophy will be presented for the best dressed float! Every kid on a float gets a ticket for a free hot chocolate.
2025 Theme: Celebrating 50 years.
Calling all Snow Queens, Kings and Princesses! Wear your tiara, sash and come be part of the celebration on the Parade Float. Stay for the festivities. Contact Grace Beaman at gbeaman@clearview.ca
The Annual Bed Races happen after the Winterama Parade. This long-standing tradition is a great opportunity to show your community pride!
Registration is open to any community organization. For more information, please call Deb Bronee at dbronee@yahoo.ca or 705-790-4262.Trophy is awarded during the Opening Ceremonies!
General Information:
*Bed Races will start at Clearview Auto after the Parade. There will be 2 heats and a Grand Finale.1. Each team must have 5 people to a team who actually race (4 runners, 1 rider and 1 alternate, just in case).
2. Rider must wear helmet.
3. Two beds will race at once per heat. The winner of each heat will run the final.
4. Any size wheels are permitted.
5. No braking devices allowed.
6. No steering devices allowed.
7. Pushing the bed only during the race, no pulling.
8. All 5 team members must pass finish line (with the bed) in order to win.
Bed Construction:
1. Twin bed size only. Mattress or padding (minimum of 4 inches thick) must be part of design and design must mimic a bed with headboard and footboard.
2. Beds must have minimum of four wheels one in each corner, all must touch the ground. Wheels can be any size.
3. Beds must have a headboard and footboard
4. Bed cannot have any means of propulsion other than the team pushing it. No motors. No steering mechanism. Human power only. No brakes.
5. Bed may have push bars not extending more than 4 inches out. Nothing sharp may be part of the bed.
6. Any violations in bed design will have penalties (up to and including disqualification). Beds that are not constructed according to the rules will be required to be modified to adhere to the rules.
7. No sharp items, glass or obscene items on beds. Beds will be disqualified for any of these violationsThe tradition continues! For 50 years, the Opening Ceremonies have been at the New Lowell Recreation Park at 11:30AM (after the Parade).
O'Canada, Greetings from the Township and the Presentation of the Awards.
Outdoor Kids' Games
Four games for children starting after the Opening Ceremonies.
- Ages 5 and under
- 6-9 years
- 10-13 years
- 14+ years old
Win 1st, 2nd and 3rd medals
The Outdoor Rink is maintained by the New Lowell Firefighters Association. Bring your skates!
Clearview Public Library will be open all afternoon. A great place to warm up!
Everything is better with homemade Tarts! The Best Homemade Tart Contest invites any amateur baker to enter any flavoured tart.
Fruit Tart, Custard Tart and Butter Tart - Let's not overcomplicate this. You will be asked which category you want to enter your tarts in upon arrival.
NO. STORE. BOUGHT. ENTRIES. We are in a small town, and we will know… we always know. This is for the bragging rights for HOMEMADE tarts.
Judging criteria includes pastry, filling, and look and taste of only the tarts.
You are required to enter 1 dozen tarts on one paper plate/platter that will be sold with the remaining tarts, after the judging.
Judges will sample the tarts. The rest will be sold as donations at the New Lowell Legion. Thank you for supporting the newest and best tasting fundraiser of Winterama. All proceeds support local community initiatives.
Tarts MUST be at the New Lowell Legion no later than 12 PM, Noon on Saturday, February 1st
Judging will take place between 1 PM-2 PM and winners announced at 3 PM.
You must have a Winterama Button ($2.00) to enter the Best Homemade Tart Contest.
You can enter tarts into all three categories, but you are only limited to one batch per category and will only be eligible to win in one category. So choose your categories wisely.
A new trophy for the Grand Prize Best Tart will be presented. The winners will have bragging rights, the sweet victory of achievement, while also supporting Winterama!
Progressive Euchre Tournament will start at 1PM at the New Lowell Legion on Saturday February 1st. $5.00 includes lunch and euchre.
Please call Kirk Hartling at 705-424-0587 to sign up in advance. Must wear a button.
Join the Active Communities Programmer for a snowshoe adventure in New Lowell! The Snowshoe/Winter Hike is a free family event, a perfect way to finish your Winterama weekend.
Meet at the New Lowell Legion and the snowshoe/hike will leave at 11AM and take approx. 2hrs. All ages and experiences! Dogs on leashes are permitted. BYOS (Bring your own snowshoes)
*There are 10 pairs of snowshoes available to borrow for this event if you do not own your own. Courtesy of the Clearview Youth Centre.
Join the Barrie Snowmobile Club on Sunday February 2 for the annual Morgan Taylor Snowmobile Memorial Run.
Meet up at the New Lowell Legion at 10 AM.
No trailer parking permitted at the New Lowell Legion. Please park your trailer at the New Lowell Park and sled over to the Legion. All ages welcome.
Follow the Barrie Snowmobile Club on Facebook for details.
Winterama is organized by a small dedicated group of residents in New Lowell known as the "Friends of Winterama" and are supported by staff from Clearview Township. Volunteers are needed to assist with many of the events and tasks.
If you are interested in learning more, please contact Amanda Murray, Community Culture & Tourism Coordinator by email.
Meetings are typically held on Tuesday nights at the New Lowell Legion from 7:00 PM - 9 PM. Attendance is not mandatory, but encouraged as often as possible.
New Lowell Church, Saturday February 1 from 10AM-2PM. Plus, support the Church and buy your family a pie!
Clearview Public Library - New Lowell Branch, Saturday February 1 from 10AM-2PM.
New Lowell Fire Hall - Friday January 31 at 7PM and Saturday February 1 from 10AM-2PM
Here is your chance to buy a piece of history! Purchase the limited commemorative Merchandise for the 50th anniversary of Winterama.
Beanie Toque $25.00
Buff $15.00
Playing cards $5.00
*No mailings. Pick up only at the Stayner Arena, Monday to Friday, 8AM-4PM until Thursday January 30th.
Merchandise will be available to purchase at the New Lowell Legion on Friday nights in January. Cash only. Limited availability.
Winterama is excited to celebrate it's golden anniversary and we want you to share your favourite Winterama memories with us! Whether it's photos, videos, newspaper clippings, or a video of you sharing your favourite moments, we'd love to see them.