This weekend is no time to be sitting inside playing video games. Bundle up, get outside and get down to Alberta Avenue for the first festival of the year.
Deep Freeze, a Byzantine Winter Festival, takes place Saturday, Jan. 8 and Sunday, Jan. 9 at 9210-118 Ave. in Edmonton. It has something for everybody, young and old alike. According to organizers, it's going to be beautiful no matter what the weather holds.
“It looks fantastic,” exclaimed Christy Morin, the executive director of the festival. She said it has the best of arts, sports and food of multiple ethnic backgrounds all mixed into one.
“It's such a cultural festival. We actually brought in squeaky cheese from a French Canadian cheesemaker in B.C. so that we can be as authentic as possible with our poutine. We take our food very seriously at Deep Freeze.”
There will be skating and olde tyme curling to keep the blood flowing. The multitude of other activities continue along a frosty theme and include the Melt the Deep Freeze Dance, the ice slide and snow and ice carving, including St. Albert's Helen Rogers and a team of four ice sculptors from Harbin, China.
“That only happens once every 20 years. We're really excited about having them out on Sunday.”
The road will be closed once again for the street hockey tournament set to take place in a street rink. Organizers are still trying to sign up more teams to play. If that's not your thing then check out the log cutting competition or take in a horse and wagon ride.
There is a strong slate of performing arts set to entertain as well.
“The music is going to be fantastic,” Morin continued, adding a plug for a traditional actors' collective that presents an elaborate costumed pageant. “It's the first time that we've actually had an area all designated to the Mummers Play.”
Other musical performers include the lutist Tom Mead, Suite Tweet and the Kubasonics.
You can take part in Ukrainian crafts like wheat weaving, attend MosĂłm's Tipis (with dancers and teachings) or enjoy French Canadian cuisine like tourtiere, cabane Ä‚Â sucre or poutine. For shopping you can check out the artisan market and the farmers' market. If you get cold, you can explore an art gallery indoors or stay by the firepit outside and roast a hot dog.
“It's just such a fun festival. We are prepared for the weather. Dress in layers.”
For more information about the festival, please visit www.deepfreezefest.ca.
