Deep Freeze: A Byzantine Festival

I went to Deep Freeze for the first time this year.
This is a winter festival, and while there are things that happen inside there are a lot of outside events as well, so be prepared for the weather. If you forgot your toque the festival was selling some, as well as Raising The Roof (a fundraiser for Homeward Trust Edmonton).
I really liked this festival. My friends and I went on Saturday when it was the Ukrainian day (they celebrate Francophone culture on the Sunday). The them for the festival was fairies and orgres, which you could see in some of the snow and ice carvings, and the artwork. There were supposed to by fairy doors in the business windows along 118, but I didn’t see any, which was kind of sad.
It was cool checking out the festival, from the snow scultptures outside to the performances and the art inside the Nina (a gallery I hadn’t been to). The festival is free to attend, but they accept donations and if you wanted to get any food that was a purchase as well. We went on the really cold day of the festival, but there are heaters outside and lots of places to warm up. We were sad that we had missed the actually deep freezer races by about 10 minutes. Maybe another year I’ll catch that.
I love the festivals that Edmonton has and the fact that we continue to have festivals all year long, not just in the summer. Winter isn’t my favourite time of year, but it’s fun to get out and spend some time outside and check out an awesome festival like Deep Freeze.

It may be chilly out, but this annual festival is one of Edmonton’s best! Dress for it and you will have one of the best weekends ever.
The road is shut down and everyone can play! on 118^th Ave. between 90^th and 94^th St. you’ll find all of the entertainment.
Ukrainian culture celebrated on one day, and Francophone culture celebrated on another. Aboriginal culture celebrated both days, and return of the Vikings this weekend! There is a spit roasted pig to eat, Cabane a sucre, music, Frozen the movie will be shown! Curling (of sorts), street hockey teams battle it out. Horse-​drawn wagon rides, art exhibits, concessions, lots of great things to see and do!
Oh and watch out for the lumberjacks!
Keep warm around the fire pits that are scattered throughout the event.
Even fireworks! Saturday at 7 PM.
Parking in the neighborhood can be a challenge do not park on the road. There is a park-​and-​ride with shuttle this year, check the website for details.