SD60 Band to host ‘bigger, better, more fun’ Winter Carnival in 2026

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Young musicians in the city are organising a three-day Winter Carnival event with the support of the City of Fort St. John. 

According to a Facebook event, the School District 60 Band (SD60 Band) will be hosting the Winter Carnival from February 6th from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., February 7th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on February 8th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Festival Plaza. 

Sabrina Angelique Brooks, band program coordinator, said the city has provided a grant but the band itself will be running the event. 

She told Energeticcity.ca: “What the city has done this year is, instead of just one weekend [of] High on Ice [Winter Fest], they’re giving micro grants out to lots of different people in the community to run lots of events all month long.” 

The winter carnival will feature classic carnival games like human slot machines, hockey shootout, snow painting, snowball toss and treats like cotton candy and popcorn. 

Additionally, while the kids play, “parents can get a hot drink and shop [at] the silent auction,” she said, adding the band is looking for local businesses to consider donating an item up for bidding. 

This is the first time the band is doing an event like this with the city. She said: “The band for the last three years has put on a fundraiser of a smaller scale.

“So if anyone’s ever been to one of those, it’ll be like that but bigger and better [and] more fun stuff.” 

According to the Facebook event, the SD60 Band will also be playing at the carnival, provided good weather continues. 

In case of bad weather, “we’ll have new videos of the band, we’ll put on a projector screen and show,” she shared. 

Proceeds from the event will go towards the SD60 Band Program. She said: “We work to provide opportunities for all kinds of students. 

“Our high school is travelling in Canada to Whistler for [a] learning and educational tour. [Additionally], our junior high has been invited to an invitation-only national band competition called MusicFest Canada in Niagara Falls.” 

She said: “We’re hoping that the whole community can come on out. The games are geared for kids [from] zero to 12. 

“There’ll be something for everyone [and] it’s a great way to spend an evening or afternoon.” 

Although the carnival is free to enter, the games and the treats at the carnival will be $1 each. 

The SD60 Band also has an ongoing fundraiser – Bottles For Band. The funds from recycled bottles will be used to fund the band’s bursary program for families in need to ensure all children have access to a music education. 

This fundraiser is free to register and people wanting to donate can use the Return-It App or visit https://app.return-it.ca. 

Interested people can sign up or login to their account, select the SD60 Band program and donate. They can return all empty beverage containers to a Return-It Express location. 

The city is gearing up for Winter Fest 2026 complete with a name rebranding and ice slides lined with recycled Christmas trees residents can donate.