Program for 40th Winterlude 2018 Unveiled Français
Winterlude will celebrate past editions, include a variety of artists for the Sub-Zero Concerts and feature a new location for Snowflake Kingdom
OTTAWA, Jan. 15, 2018 /CNW/ - The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Member of Parliament (Ottawa Centre), on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, today unveiled the official program for Winterlude 2018. She was joined by Jim Watson, Mayor of Ottawa, and Louise Boudrias, Deputy Mayor of Gatineau.
An array of activities—reflecting both Canada's Capital Region and the country as a whole—have been planned for the winter celebration's three official sites. Snowflake Kingdom, sponsored by Tim Hortons, will offer visitors a new experience, as the official site is being relocated to Gatineau's Jacques-Cartier Park North. Visitors will still get to take part in the fun winter activities they are used to, such as the super slides, but the site will also feature fun Nordic activities and unique performances for kids of all ages.
Crystal Garden in Ottawa's Confederation Park is where the stage is set for an exciting start to the festivities. World-renowned Canadian performer André-Philippe Gagnon will lead the 40th Winterlude Kick-Off Celebration, starting at 7 p.m. on February 2. A laser show will wow the crowd on opening night, along with DJ 4Korners, the official DJ of the NBA's Toronto Raptors. The Sub-Zero Concerts on the CircleK Stage will continue to liven up the Park on Friday and Saturday evenings as a variety of talented Canadian entertainers and DJs take the stage. Visitors will be able to watch ice carvers at work during the 31st Crystal Garden International Ice-Carving Competition, see a majestic ice sculpture remembering the Rideau Canal horse races and revisit past Winterlude editions with a retrospective photo exhibit. Participants can also enjoy a wide range of programming at Marion Dewar Plaza (Ottawa City Hall), including live DJs sponsored by OLG, the 14th annual Enbridge Pancake Breakfast, and the OLG All for Skating shows, with special skating performances by the Embassy of Germany in Canada on February 3.
The Rideau Canal Skateway, presented by OLG, will once again host some of Winterlude's classic activities, including the 35th annual Winterlude Triathlon and the 38th annual Bed Race. Returning to the Canal is an old tradition, the Waiters' and Waitresses' Race on Ice, and the hugely successful Ice Dragon Boat Festival is back for its second edition. There will also be a wide range of activities presented by Winterlude partners at other venues around the region.
Quotes
"It is with great excitement that Canada's Capital Region readies to host a milestone edition of this much-loved winter celebration. Visitors can look forward to wonderful activities that highlight our country's nature, climate and culture. I invite everyone to join in the excitement. Come out and skate, slide, embrace the beauty of the ice and snow sculptures—and say hi to the famous Ice Hog family!"
—The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage
"Ottawa–Gatineau residents and visitors are invited to take part in the festivities and enjoy everything Winterlude has to offer! It is a truly Canadian celebration with something for everyone."
—The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Member of Parliament (Ottawa Centre)
Quick Facts
Winterlude runs from February 2 to 19, with all sites open for Family Day in Ontario.
The theme for the 40th edition of Winterlude is "I love MY Winterlude!"
The Sub-Zero concerts (Fridays and Saturdays) will feature a Silent Battle of the DJs, Aaron Pritchett, the Boogie Wonder Band, DJ Abeille, Koriass, Dramatik, King Abid, Philippe Fehmiu, Francesco Yates and more.
OLG is the presenting sponsor of the Rideau Canal Skateway and Official Sponsor of Winterlude; Tim Hortons is the sponsor of the Snowflake Kingdom in Jacques-Cartier Park; and CircleK is the sponsor of the main stage in Confederation Park, known as the CircleK Stage.
Winterlude would not be possible without the support of around 700 volunteers.
Visitors are encouraged to make their way to the Winterlude official sites with the free OLG Sno-bus service.
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Backgrounder
40th Edition of Winterlude
February 2 to 19, 2018
Winterlude transforms Canada's Capital Region into the ideal destination to celebrate Canadian traditions in wintertime. Activities for everyone are taking place at the Snowflake Kingdom in Jacques-Cartier Park North in Gatineau, at the Crystal Garden in Confederation Park (including Marion Dewar Plaza at Ottawa City Hall), and on the Rideau Canal Skateway in Ottawa, as well as at various partner sites across the region.
Crystal Garden in Confederation Park, Ottawa
"Winter Fun! Timeless Memories!" carved in ice.
Come admire dazzling masterpieces in this enchanted garden, and witness a fusion of art, ice and light! Ice carvers from around the world turn blocks of ice into stunning works of art. At night, special lighting turns ice-carved masterpieces into a breathtaking and magical sight. Some of the Park's highlights include:
- the Winterlude Kick-off Celebration, featuring André-Philippe Gagnon
- the Sub-Zero Concerts
- majestic ice sculptures, including a 40th Winterlude ice sculpture, a Trotting on the Canal ice sculpture, a PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Winter Games ice sculpture, a Canadian Museum of Nature "Butterfly in Flight" ice sculpture and a Delegation of the European Union ice sculpture
- a special ice exhibit marking the last 40 years of Winterlude
- Inuit experiences with Nunavut Sivuniksavut
Snowflake Kingdom in Jacques-Cartier Park North, Gatineau – New location, same fun!
Take part in "Winter Pleasures"—with the Ice Hog family!
Snowflake Kingdom in Jacques-Cartier Park North, co-produced by Canadian Heritage and the Ville de Gatineau, is a huge winter playground and the home-away-from-home of Winterlude's furry mascots, the Ice Hog family. Outfitted with larger-than-life snow slides and magnificent snow sculptures, Snowflake Kingdom provides enjoyment for people of all ages. A few of the highlights are:
- Super Slides on tubes
- Digital Art Projection
- Explore the Unexpected with Parks Canada
- Dog Sledding
- Meet the Canadian Rangers
- Extreme Aerial Acrobatic and Trampo-Wall Show
- Aboriginal Experiences – Indigenous Village
- Challenge yourself in the Gatineau Cadet Corps Obstacle Course
Rideau Canal Skateway
Celebrating 48 seasons of skating!
Set in a UNESCO world heritage site, the world's largest skating rink will host a variety of activities—so sharpen your blades for a unique Canadian outdoor winter experience! During Winterlude, the Rideau Canal Skateway will be centre stage for several events, including:
- special performances at the OLG Sno-Bus Station
- Nokia Skating Lessons
- the 2nd Ottawa Ice Dragon Boat Festival
- the 35th annual Winterlude Triathlon
- the 38th annual Accora Village Bed Race
- Waiters' and Waitresses' Race on Ice
The National Capital Commission is the custodian of the Rideau Canal Skateway and steward of the official sites.
Programming Partners
More partners, more diversity, more fun!
For the 40th edition of Winterlude, nearly 50 programming partners have come together to offer a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities, including:
- Embassy of Germany to Canada Skating Show
- 40th Gatineau Loppet
- Gatineau Winter Beerfest and Ottawa Winter Brewfest
- Winterman Marathon and Marathon Relays
- ByWard Market's Annual Winterlude Stew Cook-Off
- Downtown Rideau Chill Factor's Chill Lounge
- Cool Science Saturday at the Canada Science and Technology Museum
- Fête et frissons at the Shenkman Arts Centre
- Mosaïvernales
- Canadian Ski Patrol Day, Guinness World Record Snow Angels Attempt
- and much, much more!
Canadian Heritage is proud to present Winterlude with the support of the following official sponsors and site partners: Ville de Gatineau, City of Ottawa, National Capital Commission, OLG – Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, Enbridge, Tim Hortons, Nokia, Fairmont Château Laurier, The Westin Ottawa, Lord Elgin, Parks Canada, Delegation of the European Union to Canada, Canadian Museum of Nature, Ottawa Art Gallery, Aboriginal Experiences, Motivate Canada, Historica Canada, Association des stations de ski du Québec, Société de transport de l'Outaouais, OC Transpo, and many others, including the region's hospitality industry. Special thanks to the hundreds of volunteers who contribute their time, talent and energy during the Capital's winter celebration.
Follow Winterlude on Twitter (#Winterlude), Facebook and Instagram.
Canadians can find out more about Winterlude at 1-844-878-8333 (toll free) or canada.ca/winterlude.
SOURCE Canadian Heritage
For further information: (media only): Simon Ross, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage, 819-997-7788; Media Relations, Canadian Heritage, 819-994-9101, 1-866-569-6155, [email protected]
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