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Frigid temperatures have never been a deterrent in the 13-year history of the Annual High Park Winter Fun Day, taking place Sunday, Jan. 18, according to Robin Sorys, chair of the High Park Community Advisory Council, which sponsors the event along with High Park Initiatives, Toronto Culture Museums and Heritage Services, Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation and The Grenadier Group.

At least an average of 300 people attend each year, Sorys told The Villager.

"They'll come out even if it's -30 degrees (Celsius) out," she said.

The horse and wagon rides are a big draw and the pony rides are extremely popular, Sorys said. The day also includes marshmallow roasting over a bonfire and children's outdoor and indoor activities at Colborne Lodge. There will be hot apple cider too. The activities haven't changed much since the event was established more than a decade ago. In fact, the Annual High Park Winter Fun Day got its start as a result of the Jamie Bell Adventure Playground. Proceeds go towards the maintenance of the popular playground, which happens to need a little paint this season. Struck by a fallen Oak tree last summer, the playground was repaired by a group of volunteers in September. The outer shell of the castle that took the brunt of the tree's impact had to be replaced and a new peak for the castle was constructed and installed.

"We need to paint those pieces that just got repaired," Sorys said.

The fun day is made possible in part by a $1,000 city grant. While it raises enough to pay for programs in High Park and the playground's maintenance, by no means is it a big money-maker. Sorys attributes this to the cost of the horse and wagon and pony rides. In other years, there's been Newfoundland dog sled rides, but this proved to be far too costly.

"We'd love to do cross-country skiing or snowshoeing," Sorys said.

The key would be attracting more volunteers, who are always sought by the advisory council.

Colborne Lodge Drive will be closed to traffic from the Grenadier Cafe south to The Queensway for the duration of the winter fun day, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Visitors are asked to park at the Grenadier Cafe and enjoy a wagon ride to Colborne Lodge. If you would like further information, contact 416-392-6916 or 416-392-1748 ext. 4 or e-mail info@highpark.org