Frostival draws outdoor enthusiasts to Fredericton
When temperatures drop in the winter months it can be hard to get outside. But an event in the capital city aims to do just that.
The key to success: a combination of indoor and outdoor activities, and a little bit of luck from Mother Nature.
That annual celebration is Frostival: Atlantic Canada’s Largest Winter Celebration. Winter enthusiasts flocked to Fredericton on Sunday for the second of three weekends filled with over 100 events ranging from sports and music, to arts, cuisine, and culture.
Participants more inclined to spend time outdoors can go on sleigh rides, enjoy skiing at Crabbe Mountain, or even hit the trails on a snowmobile.
Foodies can take advantage of an initiative called “Dine Around Freddy” allows festival-goers to enjoy a multi-course meal at one of several downtown restaurants at a great price.
There is also the opportunity to check out a variety of ice sculptures in the downtown area.
After several days of double digit lows, people laced up their skates in historic Officer’s Square and enjoyed sunny skies and weather that soared up to eight degrees.
Fredericton resident Krysten Mannett came to Frostival for the first time this year.
“I wanted to teach my daughter how to skate, and this was the closest local arena outdoors,” she said.
Several events take place at the square throughout the festival, including a beer garden, curling, and a skating party. For attendees like Mannett it’s all about enjoying some time outside.
“I think that it’s important to get the youth outside during the winter months because a lot of the times they’re inside and activities like Frostival gives children and youth an opportunity to get outside and get moving and keep active,” she said.
Tyler Regular went to Frostival frequently growing up in Fredericton, but returned for the first time in several years after being gone with the military.
“It’s been really good, we’ve enjoyed the day today, it’s a warm day too, so it’s nice to get outside and do different things,” he said.
As skaters enjoyed the well-maintained ice, a steady stream of people strolled down Queen Street entering shops, cafés and restaurants. The boost in foot traffic is part of Frostival’s goal: keep local businesses afloat at one of the slower times of the year.
