_0.jpg) Through the 35-hour ice carving competition, the teams deliver some pretty amazing art. Photo courtesy of Laura England |
EDMONTON, AB — The Ice on Whyte Festival is an ice carving competition but it’s also a celebration of who we are and where we choose to live. Yes, it’s cold for a large portion of the year but there’s beauty here as well. This festival provides an opportunity to see what talented individuals can do with what we normally scrape off our windshields and sidewalks.
Part competition and part 30th anniversary celebration of sister provinces Alberta and Heilongjiang, China, the Ice on Whyte Festival runs from January 13th to 22nd in End of Steel Park located at 103 Street and Tommy Banks Way. Scattered throughout the park are the creations of those in competition and those who just love what they do.
For the first 2 days of the festival, attendees had the opportunity to see ice carvers in action. Ten teams from countries including China, Russia, Latvia, the Netherlands, Canada and one brave Mexican team work feverishly to complete their ice masterpieces. After many hours of hard work, a team of judges takes over to determine first, second and third place.
One of those judges, Fran Cuyler states, “The contestants start carving at 6:30 am and work for a total of 35 hours over 2 ½ days. Following the National Ice Carving Association guidelines, we then choose a winner.” No slouch in the ice-carving field, Cuyler took third place in the recent Deep Freeze Festival on Alberta Avenue.
_0.jpg) Trust us when we tell you that photos don't quite do these pieces justice. Photo courtesy of Laura England |
For the remaining 7 days, patrons can view the completed sculptures and take part in many other activities. Upon entering the park, you’re welcomed by a pair of Oriental style dragons. An elaborate ice castle makes for a great photo opportunity and 2 ice slides beckon riders of all ages.
Take a moment to warm up by the fire pits or grab a hot chocolate and coffee in the YESS Café. While there, take in live music at the Northlands Stage with artists such as Kayla Patrick, Braden Gates, The Dungarees and Brainwreck. Organizers have provided entertainment for every day of the festival and the lineup is quite impressive.
If you’ve never been on a streetcar, now’s your chance to really immerse yourself in local history. Included in your admission price is a lift on a streetcar over to the Legislation Grounds where a whole other festival awaits. The Alberta-Heilongjiang celebration commemorates the 30th anniversary of the twin provinces and showcases local talent in theatre, live music, art and dance.
The park is open to the public from 2 pm to 10 pm on weekdays and 10 am to 10 pm on weekends. Admission is $5.00 for adults, $2.50 for children 2-12 years old and under 2 is free. Family skating is offered from 2 pm to 10 pm throughout the festival.
If we as Albertans don’t embrace winter with a big old bear hug, the alternative is cabin fever. This is life in a northern town and we choose to make it fun and fulfilling. If we didn’t love it – or at least accept it – we wouldn’t live here.
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