The skies were overcast but other than that, it was what many people would call typically perfect Northern Ontario winter carnival weather; mild temperatures with a light snow fall.
And it looks like that will carry over into Sunday as the annual Walden Winter Carnival continues.
Saturday saw hundreds of local youngsters bringing their parents out to the T.M Davies Community Centre and Arena, St. James School and Ecole St. Paul, and at the nearby Anderson Farm to enjoy the events and activities.
These included riding around the carnival arena in a rubber-tired train. Children and parents were literally lining up to enjoy the train ride. Local volunteer Rene Charette said he was enjoying the job as train driver, although there would likely be a line up of people willing to volunteer for that job as well.
Jake Rhodes of Burks Falls was pleased to take part, showing off his chainsaw wood carving skills. His work drew a small crowd of admirers. Rhodes is the owner of Northern Rhodes Artistry in Wood Carving. He said he would likely create half a dozen carvings over the weekend.
Maple syrup taffy was a hit with carnival goers thanks to the display and free samples provided by Sucrerie Seguin Sugarbush of Lavigne, Ontario. The samples were pure hot syrup poured on little wooden serving sticks in the snow.
Other events included skating, hockey and ringette, ATV and snowmobile rides, a hayride, a karate demonstration (Inaka Karate Dojo of Lively) and facepainting.
The carnival continues Sunday again with a pancake breakfast at the arena from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Food trucks will be at the Anderson Farm. Inflatables, a fish pond, kids crafts and Smarties bingo will also be held.
More complete details are posted in the schedule of events and carnival program available at the Walden Winter Carnival website.