Schedule of Events

Cranberry Portage Winterfest

February 21 - March 1, 2026

Registration for Events

All participants must register and sign waivers for all events unless otherwise noted.

All entry fees are due upon registration.

Some financial assistance may be available for youth skills competition entries. Please inquire if assistance is needed.

We accept cash and e-transfer. The Cranberry Portage Child/Family Resource Center will have registration packages available Monday - Thursday; 8am to 4pm and can accept cash. Click the link below to register online or download paper forms. At any time you can email forms and send e-transfers to cranberry.portage.winterfest@gmail.com

Monday, February 16, 2026

Event Registration

Registration opens at 8 a.m. on Monday, February 16th and closes 4 p.m. on Thursday, February 26th.
Cash fees are due upon registrations. All teams and event participants must register and have waivers signed in order to participate, including for free events.
Registrations forms will be available at the Cranberry Portage Child/Family Resource Center, Papa's Convenience and Gas, and on our website.
We can accept cash and e-transfer:
cranberry.portage.winterfest@gmail.com

Snow Sculpture Admissions

Register your address so it can be added to the maps.
You must register before noon on Thursday, February 26th.
Sculptures must be completed by Friday, February 27th at 4:00 p.m.

Saturday, February 21, 2026

The Papa's Gas & Convenience Family Ice Fishing Derby

10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m
Located at the Engaged Learners Site on First Cranberry.
Free to attend but kids must be registered and accompanied by an adult.
Kids prize categories and door prize.
Hot chocolate and dog lunch will be available after the event, donated by the Cranberry Portage LUD.
Bombardier Rides!

Thursday, February 26, 2026

Merchandise Bingo

Postponed.

All Weekend Long Events
Friday, February 27 - Sunday, March 1, 2026

The Winterfest Moose Hunt

Town wide scavenger hunt for Murray the Moose.
Clues will be given out at the start of the day and posted on the Facebook page.
Some rule apply for claiming prize.
See Facebook post for more details.

Penny Parade

Located upstairs at the Curling Rink.
Tickets available at the HQ table.

50/50 and Calm Air Raffle

Located upstairs at the Curling Rink.
Tickets available at the HQ table and at the Flight Night.

Canteen

Located upstairs at the Curling Rink.

Snow Sculpture Viewing and Votes

Maps available at the HQ table and on our Facebook page.
Voting at the HQ table.

Friday, February 27, 2026

Opening Ceremonies

Opening Ceremonies begin at 5:00 p.m.
Lighting of the festival bonfire in the parking lot next to the curling rink.
No cost to attend. No registration required.

The Rick Murray Memorial Singles Cribbage Tournament

Located upstairs at the Curling Rink.
$10 Entry Fee
6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Public Skate

Located at the Arena.
$2 per person.
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Saturday, February 28, 2026

The Elbow Lake Wilderness Camp Free Pancake Breakfast

Located downstairs at the Curling Rink.
Starts at 9:00 a.m.

The James Murray Memorial Doubles Cribbage Tournament

Located upstairs at the Curling Rink.
Doubles.
Double Elimination.
$10 Entry per team.
10:00 a.m. start.

Kids Skills Events

Located at the Curling Rink parking lot.
Log Saw, Log Throw, Axe Throw, Portage Race, Nail Drive, Animal Calls, Jigging.
Prizes for attendance will be handed out after the event.
No cost to attend.
Kids must be registered and waivers signed before they participate.
Please dress your kids for the weather. Events will be modified and moved indoors for extreme cold.
10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Winterfest Makers Market

Located at the Cranberry Portage Legion and Skating Rink Lounge.
11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Hosted by the Cranberry Portage Artisan Market

Kids Activities

Located upstairs and outside the Curling Rink.
No cost to attend.
Bombardier Rides.
Face Painting.
Fur Kit Demonstration.
2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Adult and Youth Skills Events

Located at the Curling Rink Parking Lot.
Youth Category 13-17. Adult 18+.
Nail Pound, Portage Race, Log Saw, Log Throw, Sleigh Pull, Leg Wrestling, Jigging.
Must be registered with waivers signed and fees paid.
$10 Entry per event. Prize for 1st place for each event is 50% of event entry fees.
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

The Calm Air Winterfest Flight Night

Located at the Curling Rink.
Live Entertainment.
$10 Tickets - Advance Purchase Only. Please contact Tiffany (204-472-3044) for ticket info.
7:45 p.m. doors open
18+