Get Involved With
Vernon Winter Carnival
The Vernon Winter Carnival is built by our community, and there’s a place for everyone. Explore the many ways you can get involved and help bring the Carnival spirit to life.
Host an Event
Our community events make the Vernon Winter Carnival so special! Host a community-led event to attract attendees to your local business or organization.
Applications are open until October 31, 2025.Â
Sip & Savour Vendors
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Sip & Savour is a tasting event and one of the signature events of the Vernon Winter Carnival, presented by Valley First. Guests sample the best local food and drink in the North Okanagan, all in one evening.
We’re looking for local restaurants, caterers, wineries, breweries, distilleries and specialty food producers to offer tastings at the 2027 event. It’s a chance to put your product in front of guests and connect with the community during Carnival.
Interested in becoming a Vendor? Fill out the vendor application below. Space is limited, don’t miss out!
Become a Sponsor
For 66 years, the Vernon Winter Carnival, Presented by Valley First, has brought ten days of winter magic to Vernon, drawing families, visitors and community together from across the Okanagan and BC. Our partners become part of the experience by lighting up signature events, welcoming guests and helping grow a tradition that keeps our community thriving. Let’s make 2027 out of this world.
Contact us at hello@vernonwintercarnival.com to discuss current partnership opportunities.
Host a Community Event
Join the celebration by hosting a community event during the Vernon Winter Carnival. Registered events are featured in our official program and promoted to thousands of Carnival-goers, giving your business or organization great exposure while adding to the festival spirit.
Volunteer Opportunities
Vernon Winter Carnival is always seeking motivated volunteers to join our team. There are many positions available, including jopo and jopette, Carnival Cops, office helpers, and more.Â
We are currently accepting volunteer applications!
Join the Parade
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Be part of one of the Carnival’s most beloved traditions! Applications for the 2027 Vernon Winter Carnival Parade are now open. Apply today to secure your place in the lineup.
Applications are OPEN
Poutine & Caesar Showdown
The 2nd Annual Poutine & Caesar Showdown is BACK!
Think your kitchen makes the best poutine in the North Okanagan? Or that your bar pours the ultimate Caesar? Prove it!
The Poutine & Caesar Showdown returns for its 2nd year, February 5–14, 2027. It’s a 10-day tasting tour across Vernon, Coldstream, Armstrong and the North Okanagan. Participating restaurants and pubs create a signature poutine, Caesar, or both, and keep 100% of the revenue from their feature items.
Guests follow the Showdown Tasting Map and vote by QR code for People’s Choice. A panel of local media and culinary judges also crowns a Judges’ Choice winner.
Enter your restaurant or pub today!
Become a Sponsor
There’s no better way to set your business apart than with community involvement. Sponsorship with one of North Okanagan’s longest running events is a great way to invest in our local community. Vernon Winter Carnival has multiple sponsorship and advertising opportunities that will strengthen your brand and help to achieve your marketing and community minded goals.
Our 2026 Sponsorship Guide is Available!
Arrest The Best
Nominate your boss, co-worker, friend or family member! The Carnival Cops are a long standing tradition during the festival. Nominate someone you know to be arrested for something light or cheeky (telling bad jokes, taking the office stapler home, drinking the last cup of coffee without making more!) and we will send our merry crew to you with our Vernon Winter Carnival Jail. You set the bail and it’s up to them to raise funds for their freedom. Arrests are made and jail is parked outside your business for maximum exposure.
All funds raised go to Vernon Winter Carnival Society.
Any questions? Email hello@vernonwintercarnival.com
Join the Board
Vernon Winter Carnival Society is governed and served by a working Board of Directors, lead by an executive of four directors (Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer and Secretary) With the operational guidance from the Executive Director (paid employee) the board oversees the activities and direction of the Vernon Winter Carnival Society, ensuring the continuation of the Society to carry out its mission.
Best Decorated Contest
ENTRY APPLICATIONS OPENING SOON
This is your business or school’s opportunity to celebrate Vernon’s 66th Winter Carnival! Start planning now. Transform your work place, school or organization to showcase your Carnival spirit with the Best Decorated Contest presented by Nixon Wenger LLP!Â
All the area’s businesses, schools and organizations are invited to participate, so encourage your colleagues or employees to get involved in the Carnival’s Best Decorated Contest. Decorate the inside of your premises and dress in costume, create a display area behind your window Or paint your window with Carnival Spirit!
Theme Announcement Coming Soon!
School Poster Contest
Get your students showing their Carnival Spirit! All elementary school aged children from kindergarten to Grade 7 are eligible to enter a poster!Â
VWC Scholarship
