Plans for Ottawa’s 32nd annual Winterlude were announced today by National Capital Commission officials, who promised that this year's festival will combine yearly traditions with new surprises.
“Winterlude is a chance to celebrate the Canadian national identity,” said Marie Lemay, CEO of the NCC, at a press conference Tuesday. “It’s an opportunity to get out and enjoy the capital during our winter months – and that’s not something we intend to change.”
From Feb. 5 to 21, the festival will run events in Ottawa and Gatineau, including their annual pond hockey game, stew cook-off, marathon and triathlon (skating, running and cross-country skiing), and bed race on ice. A new urban art exhibit will be on display at Dow’s Lake, featuring the work of youth artists.
The opening ceremony on Feb. 5 will feature a 20-minute musical firework show and a performance by Canadian DJ Misstress Barbara. The event will take place both indoors and outdoors at the Canadian Museum of Civilization and Major’s Hill Park.
As per tradition, ice sculptures will be on show at the Rogers Crystal Garden in Confederation Park; this year a new people’s choice online voting system has been introduced. Canadian across the country can view photos and vote for their favourite sculpture, for a prize from Westjet.
The NCC is also asking Canadians to share their memories on the Rideau Canal by submitting a photo at www.canadascapital.gc.ca/skateway. The photos will be displayed on the website and potentially on large screens at Winterlude events.
Lemay also said this year, the NCC will assess the carbon footprint of Winterlude by measuring its waste levels and carbon emissions. She said that by 2012, Winterlude will be a “carbon-neutral” event, meaning there will be no ecological effects of the festival.
Finally, Winterlude would not be complete without ample skating on the world’s largest skating rink, the Rideau Canal, followed by hot chocolate and Beaver Tails. More information on Winterlude events can be found at http://www.canadascapital.gc.ca/bins/ncc_web_content_page.asp?cid=16297-16298-22877&lang=1