2026 Crimson Lake Winterfest “most successful yet”

Organizers of the 2026 Crimson Lake Winterfest and Freezin’ For A Reason Polar Bear dip are heralding it as the most successful event in its eight-year history.

Around 350 people showed up on a near-perfect winter day to enjoy sleigh rides, ice fishing, pond hockey and many other winter activities. Organizers say the ice was in good condition, and there was enough snow to do all planned activities except for snow shoeing and cross-country skiing.

The Valentine’s Day event also saw significant participation in the popular polar bear dip, with 37 jumpers signed up.

Over $19,000 was raised for charities, says organizer Aaron Townsend, which brings the eight-year total to over $101,000

Local beneficiaries include Rocky Search and Rescue (SAR) which raised over $6000, while the Mountain Rose Women’s Shelter, Asokewin Friendship Centre, Frontier Lodge, Alberta Conservation Society, Wolf Creek Boys and Girls Club, Compassionate Care Hospice Society, and Pioneer Camp also had ice jumpers.

Several polar jumpers from Calgary also participated, says Townsend, as a similar event in their area was previously cancelled. Those participants raised around $43,000 for Calgary organizations such as Brown Bagging for Calgary’s Kids.

Overall, Townsend says a good time was had by all, and no one was ready to go home at the end of the afternoon.