New winter festival kicks off in ATCO Park

Calgary weather improved just in time for a new winter festival that offered the chance to meet some holiday critters.
Families had the chance to feed the reindeer at ATCO Park Saturday. They could also enjoy a story time hosted by Mrs. Claus, and meet Santa himself. There was a hot chocolate bar, cookie decorating and a card-making station as well.
It all happens again Sunday, and costs five dollars to take part, with the proceeds going to charity.
"It's for a great cause," said J.P. Gerritsen of ATCO Blue Flame Kitchen. "We're working with Habitat for Humanity for Southern Alberta, and collecting toys for WINS (Women in Need Society) as well. So there's a positive spin to this, but it's just great to get families together for Christmas."
Children creating at Winter Wonderland at ATCO Park, Saturday Dec.3, 2022
Those sentiments were echoed by Habitat for Humanity's Jorge Torres.
"It's been a couple of years without much going on," Torres said, "so I think it was nice to have a space to have fun and bring the community together."
Children could play with reindeer Saturday at the Winter Wonderland
Winter Wonderfest continues Sunday, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NORAD tracking high-altitude surveillance balloon detected over the U.S., Canada says
The Department of National Defence says Canada is working with the United States to protect sensitive information from foreign intelligence threats after a high-altitude surveillance balloon was detected.

Senate passes Liberals' controversial online streaming act with a dozen amendments
Big tech companies that offer online streaming services could soon be required to contribute to Canadian content as a controversial Liberal bill gets one step closer to becoming law.
Migrant workers sneak secret menus into Canadian restaurants to expose exploitation
Hundreds of customers who scan QR codes for restaurant menus across Canada are being surprised by secret menus instead, revealing the hidden costs behind the food they eat.
Woman says Russian Embassy denies her consular services, cites Facebook page
A Russian woman says she has been denied consular services by her country's embassy in Canada over claims her Facebook activity poses a security threat.
opinion | How much rent can you afford?
Many Canadians have continued to see an increase in their rental rates in 2023. In an column on CTVNews.ca, personal finance contributor Christopher Liew explains how to calculate how much rent you can afford.
Escaping the Taliban: CTV News' Genevieve Beauchemin meets Afghan refugees left in limbo in Pakistan
Lives were 'shattered' when Kabul fell into Taliban hands, and thousands remain in limbo, unable to return to Afghanistan. CTV News' Genevieve Beauchemin recalls her visit to makeshift refugee camps set up in Pakistani parks, and the stories she heard during that time.
W5 Investigates | Lebanese-Canadian family of 3-year-old killed in Beirut blast still searching for accountability, answers
More than two years after downtown Beirut was levelled by an explosion, a Lebanese-Canadian family of a 3-year-old girl killed in the blast is still searching for answers. Watch W5's documentary 'The Explosion' on CTV at 7 p.m.
Nearly 6 in 10 public transit users say they feel less safe commuting after string of violent attacks
After a string of violent attacks on public transit in Toronto and other cities, a new survey has found that nearly six in 10 public transit users in Canada say they feel less safe or somewhat less safe while commuting.
'Energy is over the top' for the first 2023 Arctic Winter Games since 2018
The world’s largest international Arctic sporting event is underway in northern Alberta, where athletes compete in unique games significant to the cultural identity of the North.