Vernon Winter Carnival started as a break from dreary winters and it's been going strong now for 52 years. The official opening took place Friday at Polson Park with the crowning of the new Royalty - Princess Silver Star and the 52nd Queen Silver Star. Other weekend highlights are the return of the B.C. Snow Sculpture Championship at Silver Star and Saturday's parade. The carnival runs till Feb. 12. Taking the award for the crowd favourite, dancers from the Vernon Punjabi Heritage Society perform at the annual Bandarama.