Winter Festival Season

February tends to be the month when Canadian towns, both big and small, celebrate with various winter festivals.  These celebrations have been historically important for communities to thumb their nose at the dark and cold for outdoor fun, games, and attractions.

It’s not any different for a city like Toronto.  Like all large cities, Toronto is actually made up of many small communities, each with their own personality.  This past weekend, the Yorkville area celebrated with their 5th annual Ice Fest.

It was my first.

All week the city had been basking in unseasonably warm temperatures – more reminiscent of April than February – but I worried about whether my first Ice Fest would be a bust.

I worried for nothing –  temperatures plummeted back into the freezing zone just in time for the artists to display their handiwork.

The theme for this year’s Ice Fest was Canada’s 150th Anniversary being celebrated this year.

There was a party atmosphere throughout this high-end ritzy neighbourhood.  Dance music was already blaring, food stalls were open, and crowds were starting to gather in spite of the early morning hour when I made my way downtown.

I found myself smiling happily – in spite of the cold wind.  I had zero expectations, and was wonderfully surprised.

Canada’s having a birthday party this year and you’re all invited.