Thunder Bay kicks off its annual SnowDay on the Waterfront, a free celebration of northwestern Ontario’s winter charm. The event takes place Monday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Marina Park.
Embracing Local Winter Culture
“Winter is part of our culture, and we really need to embrace and enjoy it,” stated Laurie Abthorpe, supervisor of cultural development, community programming, and events for the City of Thunder Bay. SnowDay offers a chance to unite the community, whether long-time residents or newcomers adjusting to the northern environment, she added.
Diverse Activities for All Ages
Visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor and indoor pursuits, including:
- Ice sculptures crafted by artist Kim Asmussen;
- Ice fishing on the Marina Park pond, stocked with lake trout—families fish free without a licence or Outdoors Card from February 14 to 16;
- Winter animal activities from Science North, plus art sessions with the Community Arts and Heritage Education Project (CAHEP) and Thunder Bay Art Gallery;
- Maple taffy making;
- Snowshoeing and horse-drawn wagon rides;
- Outdoor games.
The Marina Park pond received a fresh stocking of lake trout on Friday to prepare for the festivities.
Snow Sculpture Competitions Heat Up
SnowDay features competitions for professional artists and community groups. “There’s juried prizes for the professional group,” explained Caitlin McMillan, cultural development and public art coordinator with the city. “And then there’s also people’s choice voting that happens throughout SnowDay on Monday, and then throughout the next couple of weeks.”
Voting continues until February 22, provided the weather cooperates and sculptures endure. Professionals vie for cash prizes, while community groups compete for $100 in Waterfront District BIA Bucks.
More Winter Fun This Weekend
SnowDay joins other free events at Marina Park. The city’s weekly Winter FunDays run Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m., featuring snow art and Puppet Palooza with CAHEP.
