The weather might have been cold but spirits were warm as the 7th Annual Carman Blizzard Fest took place last Saturday.

Activities were plentiful as many favourites including skating, hay rides, snow bowling and curling, kept festival goers busy throughout the afternoon, along with new events like an ice jewel hunt and snowshoeing.

With as many as 500 attendees, Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Nikki Bartley notes the level of participation around the area is amazing and loves seeing Blizzard Fest come to fruition every year,

"We live in a great community and it's great because everyone can attend because it's free," Bartley says. "So everybody comes out, people support [Blizzard Fest], businesses support it, and without our businesses, it wouldn't be possible. We also have a great community of volunteers."

With the amount of commitment and dedication needed from residents and businesses alike to keep this festival going, volunteer Catherine Maclam notes that events like Blizzard Fest are also a great way to grow the community,

"It's bringing everyone together... we've had people from all ages stop on by. All ages, abilities and everyone loved it. It's so much fun."

While it's her first year volunteering for Blizzard Fest, Maclam says she will be donating her time next year as well, and is excited to see what the Chamber has planned.

Indoor bowling was a popular activity with the kids

The Carman Blizzard Fest took place Feb. 4