Deep Freeze winter festival takes over Alberta Avenue this weekend

Stilt-walkers entertaining the crowd at Deep Freeze Winter Festival in an undated photo. (Courtesy: Deep Freeze) (Ian Jackson/Shell International Limited)

Frigid temperatures are taking over the upcoming weekend, but not without a winter festival to liven up the - 20 C outdoors.

Deep Freeze: A Byzantine Winter Festival returns for another year at Alberta Avenue this weekend.

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Starting Saturday at noon, Edmonton’s Alberta Avenue District will transform into a winter wonderland full of tradition, art and culture.

This year’s theme is “Barnyard Blitz” – it entails ice sculpture artists carving barnyard-inspired creations, a lamp post decorating competition, and plenty of interactive farm-themed activities, including a petting zoo.

Families can enjoy live musical performances, Pe Metawe games, cabane a sucre, deep freezer races, Ukrainian dance and more.

Workshops for playing musical spoons, making barnyard animal crafts, Metis jigging and making lanterns are also available at Deep Freeze.

Tickets for a 50/50 raffle will be sold in support of funding the festival for future events.

The festival runs from Saturday from noon to 10 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. with a special fireworks display commemorating the festival Saturday night at 9 p.m.

The event is free to attend. For more information, visit the Deep Freeze website.