Vernon Winter Carnival will look a little different this year

This winter's unseasonably warm weather has led to some unexpected changes for the 64th annual Vernon Winter Carnival.

“There's usually a lot more snow on the ground at this time, early February. But this year is certainly an exception,” executive director Kris Fuller told iNFOnews.ca. “I do encourage people to wear duck boots, rubber boots, boots for wet weather.”

This year marks the 18th anniversary of the Balloon Glow event, one of the carnival's most popular, which sees thousands gather to watch hot air balloons light up.

“It's just fascinating and awe-inspiring because you hear the fire making that whoosh sound," Fuller, said. "They just look gorgeous”

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However, the location has changed this year to accommodate the warmer weather.

The event has been moved from Polson Park to Kal Tire Place and Kin Race Track, and will run from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 2.

“We should get a few thousand people out who want to come and look at them,” Fuller said. “I feel like it's something Vernon's really proud of. And it's a real good core memory for a lot of folks who grew up in Vernon.”

READ MORE: Best, brightest captures of Vernon Winter Carnival

A lack of snow on SilverStar Ski Resort has also put a halt on the Carnival’s much-anticipated snow sculpture event.

“We've had to shift gears with that one,” Fuller said. “We've got ice sculptures, which are a little hardier, and they can still be carved at this temperature.”

Though the carnival may look slightly different this year, locals and visitors can expect many of their favourite activities and look forward to 135 different events to choose from, 38 of which are free.

READ MORE: Why The Vernon Winter Carnival Matters

The theme of this year’s carnival is games and visitors can expect comedy, game-playing, drag, skating, dance lessons, a bingo marathon, bed races and a cocktail contest throughout the week.

“If people are looking for ways to support us besides coming to one of our events, we also have a raffle and a 50-50 online. And we would love your support. We are a nonprofit organization,” Fuller said.

More information about the event can be found here.

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