Polar Plunge returns to Headline The 2024 Frontenac Heritage Festival

Rob Moore | Jan 24, 2024

The Frontenac Heritage Festival is an annual event taking place in Central Frontenac over the Family Day Long weekend (February 16,17,18, 2024). Incorporating outdoor winter activities and traditional heritage based events, the festival is designed to showcase the history of our County and to create opportunities for Families to get out and get active during the coldest months of our Canadian Winter. There are events happening in Arden, Mountain Grove, Kennebec and Tichborne, as well as in the Village of Sharbot Lake.  Events are free. Some offer entry by donation, but all are designed to be fun and entertaining; even educational at times.

“This year looks to be our biggest event weekend to date!  On Saturday, we have a full day of events in Arden at the Kennebec Hall and the Arden rink,  as well as on Kennebec Lake for their annual Kennebec Snow Day.  On Sunday, the Matson's Family Farm will be hosting their annual Heritage Day.  Be sure to stop by the Mountain Grove rink on Saturday, and the Tichborne outdoor rink on Sunday to join in their Festivities. Lots of food and exciting family activities to be had at all locations! Saturday night the Arden Legion will be in full swing with karaoke and open mic performances.

In Sharbot Lake, Friday nights’ Inaugural event ‘Frontenac’s Got Talent’ will take place at the St. James Major Hall at 7pm, following The Festival Opening Ceremonies at 6:30pm. There, you can meet the festival organizers, get information on all the weekend events, and grab your seat for a fun night of music, treats and laughter with our special guest judges. Auditions are currently open for Frontenac’s Got Talent and there is still time to submit your video entry for audition. (email entries to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) There will also be a silent auction alongside Friday night's activities.  Proceeds going to North Frontenac Little Theatre Co. 

On Saturday in Sharbot Lake, there are events happening all over the village. Have breakfast at the Anglican Church then visit an historic quilt display at the United Church. Take a look around the Mason’s lodge and check out the indoor events for the little ones at the OSO Hall courtesy of EarlyOn and KFPL. There are family activities at the OSO beach and the Heritage Railway Park, as well there are several locations to play,  stay warm and enjoy food and treats. All designed to be accessible to each other by walking.  Stay tuned for more event details.  The new Sharbot Lake rink will be open for free skating Saturday and Sunday with their canteen available weather permitting.

One of the most anticipated events of the weekend is the return of the 10th annual Polar Bear Plunge taking place at the Sharbot Lake Marina on Sunday Feb 18th at 11am.  They are currently looking for team or solo jumpers to participate in this exciting event. This year's fund raising recipients are the North Frontenac Little Theatre Co., and the Central Frontenac Fire Department. Participants will be given an opportunity to test their limits with a jump into the freezing cold waters of Sharbot Lake, but will be rewarded with a stop in our on-site, wood-fired sauna, which is guaranteed to take the chill out of your bones, post jump!  And if that doesn't work, head on over to the Sharbot Lake Legion for a warm chili lunch! For more event details and how you can participate, visit their Facebook page ‘Frontenac Heritage Festival’ or on Instagram @Frontenac_Heritage_Festival_24.