Highlights for week one of Winterlude
Posted Feb 3, 2012 06:01:46 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
It is time to celebrate winter in the National Capital Region!
The first weekend of Winterlude is filled with fun activities for people of all ages, from fireworks to ice sculptures, DJ dance parties to outdoor art, there is something for everyone!
Here is a list of activities taking place:
American Express Winterlude Opening – Friday, February 3, 2012 at the Canadian Museum of Civilization
The celebration officially kicks off with the American Express Winterlude Opening at the Canadian Museum of Civilization. The program will feature special lighting effects, historical characters and drummers, storytelling, an outdoor DJ dance party, and at 9:00 p.m., a fireworks display.
Visitors can take advantage of free admission on February 3, 2012, from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., to explore the museum’s many exhibits and enjoy special programming.
The event will also be celebrated at Snowflake Kingdom in Jacques-Cartier Park, which will stay open until 9:30 p.m., offering another vantage point to the fireworks.
Rogers Crystal Garden in Confederation Park – “Northern Passion” carved in ice
This weekend, there are plenty of chances to watch ice carvers from around the world create their crystalline masterpieces at Confederation Park. These include the Rogers One-Block Challenge on Friday, February 3 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. (Awards Ceremony: 5:00 p.m.).
There is also the 25th Rogers International Ice-Carving Competition, where professional carvers from around the world put their talent to the test throughout the weekend (People’s Choice Online Voting Contest starts Sunday, February 5 at 6:00 p.m.).
On opening weekend, visitors to Rogers Crystal Garden will also have the opportunity to:
Visit an authentic Sami Lavvu from northern Norway
Discover BlizzArt, an outdoor gallery featuring unique Canadian work of art
Meet artists from northern Canada and see them perform in the Rogers Crystal Globe
Groove to the tunes of the Sub-Zero Music Series
Celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in ice and photos
Learn about ephemeral art and create their own sculpture
Experience the Yukon through the eyes of talented artists
Find out more about the great Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen, and his expedition through the Northwest Passage.
Pancake Breakfast – Saturday, February 4, 2012 – Festival Plaza at City Hall at 10:00 a.m.
The public can start off their first Winterlude weekend with a delicious pancake and hot chocolate breakfast during the Eighth Annual Enbridge Pancake Breakfast. Breakfast is free while supplies last.
Snowflake Kingdom in Jacques-Cartier Park, Gatineau – Let the adventure begin with the Ice Hog Family!
Presented by the Ville de Gatineau and the NCC, people can enjoy playing in a frosty paradise of giant snow slides. The fun begins on Friday, February 3, 2012 at 10:30 a.m., when Mama and Papa Ice Hog, and twins Noumi and Nouma, join the crowd for the official launch of Snowflake Kingdom. Snowflake Kingdom is North America’s biggest snow playground.
On Winterlude’s first weekend, visitors will have the chance to:
Find their way through the A-maze-ing Fort Wellington
Learn about the life of the people who lived in 1812 through interpretation, demonstrations and games
Take part in a day in the life of a Coast Guard employee
Test their physical fitness in the Canadian Forces Winter Obstacle Course
Experience downhill skiing with qualified instructors
Talented performers and acrobatic stunts on the Snowflake Stage
Celebrate Yukon Days with performances and snow sculptures
Visit the Adventure Zone, where they can try Jumpaï trampolines, rock climbing and catch a lift in a tethered hot air balloon
The Rideau Canal Skateway:
The Rideau Canal is centre stage for many activities during Winterlude. For the celebration’s opening weekend, the world-famous ice surface will host the 29th Annual Winterlude Triathlon and the 32nd Annual Accora Village Bed Race which take place at Dow’s Lake Saturday, February 4, 2012.
Throughout Winterlude visitors to the Skateway will have the opportunity to:
Discover Portraits on the Ice, an outdoor art gallery presented by Library and Archives Canada, which this season commemorates the War of 1812
See Fire Weavers and other talented acts at the WestJet Fun ‘n Festival Zone
Enjoy culinary demonstrations and sample creative Canadian dishes in the American Express Lounge at Fifth Avenue
Sign up for a free 45-minute Subway Learn to Skate session
Take in storytelling theatre, traditional dances, songs and hand drumming with Aboriginal Experiences at Pig Island
