The winter months can be a dreary time of year, and that’s why the Fairmont Business Association (FBA) is trying to add a little spice to your winter season with the third annual Fire and Ice Festival, this year featuring a decidedly Latin theme.

The festival takes place on the weekend of January 20 to 22, beginning on Friday with a free barbecue and ice wine sampling at the Mountainside Market, alongside Hwy 93/95 in Fairmont, where there will also be a number of kids’ activities.

From 2 p.m. on, the fiesta moves to the Fairmont ski hill, which will be open for night skiing until about 6 p.m., followed by an après ski party featuring live music from Ontario band Al Lukas.

“We feel that come winter we wanted to showcase and help build a bit of business for the Valley during slower times,” Rory Sinclair, FBA committee member and owner of Hoodoo Grill said.

“It gives the community something to do and strives to grow in the shoulder season, and of course have a little fun and provide some entertainment for what can be a very long winter.”

On Saturday, the fun continues with drop in hockey from 1 to 3 p.m., followed by a fiesta gala six-course dinner and silent auction from 6 to 11 p.m. at Hoodoo Grill, 5388 Hwy 93/95 in Fairmont.

Gala tickets are $70 and include wine for the evening. They are available at Hoodoo Grill by calling 250-345-2166.

Finally, on Sunday, the fun wraps up with a free pancake breakfast at Smoking Waters Coffee Cafe from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“We want to bring some new faces into town to show what kind of community spirit we have,” Sinclair said. “There’s a ton of great people and fun to be had here and we want to showcase that.”

For more information, please visit the FBA’s website at fairmont-hotsprings.com.