The City of Grande Prairie is bringing back the Grande North Winter Festival for a second year. Event Manager Jade Nyland says the three-day event, which is happening January 13 – 15, 2023, will see several winter-centric activities throughout the downtown core.
“With winter being one of our longest seasons we really just wanted to create an opportunity for residents to bundle up, and get out and enjoy the beauty of our northern Alberta winters,” Nyland says.
The event is taking place at three different locations in the downtown core. Bonnetts Energy Centre will be home to ticketed events like ice gardens, the ice sculpting competition, and Grande Prairie Storm games.
Muskoseepi Park is where different free events like snowshoeing, skating on the pond, and the first Crokicurl rink will be. The third location will be the Montrose Cultural Centre where Nyland says the Aquatera ice slide will be, along with fire pits plus an exciting and unique addition.
“New to the festival this year we have the office snow maze; it is going to be awesome. It is going to be a maze constructed entirely of snow, so we are excited to see how that turns out.”
The Grande North Winter Festival will be the first major festival/event for 2023. Nyland explains that the economic impact of having large-scale events like this festival is huge.
“Not only do you have people purchasing tickets, but you have them staying at hotels in the area, you have them eating at restaurants, and shopping at local businesses.”
She adds that these events also instill a sense of community pride in the city and surrounding area because it gives residents something to be part of and proud of. City of Grande Prairie Mayor Jackie Clayton echoes those thoughts, saying that the council was thrilled by last year’s success and looking forward to the event in January.
“The event captures the urban and innovative spirit of our city and is a testament to the high calibre events hosted locally in Grande Prairie. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to explore downtown, support local businesses, and gather together to enjoy the outdoors as we embrace winter at the Grande North Winter Festival 2023.”
Those interested in more information on the Grande North Winter Festival or wanting to stay up to date can do so here.Â