The first ever Vita and Area Winter Festival kicked off Saturday morning and wraps up Sunday evening.

Organizer Jerry Lubiansky says some local sled dog teams were the ones who had the idea for a winter festival.

"It was brought up by the local sled dog teams, they approached the CEO of the RM here and they decided that maybe we should try a winter festival featuring the sled dog races and then the rest of the committee added the other activities."

Lubiansky says the sled dog races are a highlight of the festival, but the goal was to have something fun for everyone.

"We got a snowmobile show and shine, the dog races run both days, we have got a hockey tournament, we have got a cribbage tournament, kids activities, maple taffy making, toboggan hill, and sled rides all day long. In the evening we have a bonfire with fireworks and we have a Ukrainian Malanka supper dance."

Lubiansky says they were very pleased that the weather turned warmer for the weekend so that everyone attending the festival could enjoy all of the outdoor activities.