Edmonton hosts many festivals every year, and the winter-themed Ice on Whyte is among the most unique. Read on to learn more about this festival and its special features, brought to you by edmontonski.
Festival History
The Ice on Whyte Festival was founded in 2003 by the business association Old Strathcona. Local artists played a key role in its inauguration, aiming to showcase the unique art form of ice carving to Edmontonians.
In 2011, the Ice on Whyte Festival Society was established. By 2016, the Society was officially recognized as a charitable organization, ensuring the festival’s sustainability and growth in pursuit of its cultural and artistic goals.
The festival’s mission is to foster appreciation for art and culture while offering interactive artistic experiences in the open air.
Founding Goals
The Old Strathcona Business Association, as the festival’s lead founder, aimed to elevate public appreciation of art. They achieved this through public exhibitions, ice and sand carving presentations, and providing a platform for skilled artists to showcase their talents.
The festival also emphasizes education, hosting workshops that teach visitors about the intricacies of ice carving. Over the years, it has attracted top-tier artists from Edmonton and across Canada.
The Ice on Whyte Festival Society is responsible for producing both the Boardwalk Ice on Whyte and Boardwalk Sand on Whyte festivals in Old Strathcona. These events bring new, engaging experiences to communities across Alberta every year.
Managed by a volunteer board of directors and a stellar production team, the festival is primarily funded by corporate sponsors. Ice on Whyte has earned a place among the Top 10 Ice Festivals in the World.
What to Expect at the Festival
The festival is known for breathtaking ice carvings created by master sculptors. Visitors can enjoy:
- Stunning ice sculptures crafted by Canada’s top ice carvers.
- Workshops offering hands-on ice carving experiences.
- Thrilling ice slides and enchanting snow mazes for kids and adults alike.
The process of creating ice sculptures is fascinating. Artists use crystal-clear ice blocks, made by freezing water through a special machine that removes impurities. This creates the perfect medium for intricate carving.
A Magical Winter Wonderland
The festival offers a winter wonderland atmosphere. Ice carvers participate in competitions, held in temperature-controlled tents to preserve the sculptures. Within hours, massive blocks of ice are transformed into awe-inspiring works of art.
Evening visitors will find the site especially magical, as sculptures are illuminated with colorful lights, creating picturesque scenes ideal for photography. Additionally, the festival grounds feature cozy restaurants where guests can enjoy a warm meal after exploring.
The Ice on Whyte Festival is a must-visit event that combines art, culture, and winter fun in a magical setting.