Winter festival true to its roots

by Ruth Griffiths

Prince Albert Winter Festival is one of the longest-running outdoor winter events in Western Canada. The format has changed during the past century, but the festival has retained its northern flavour with events that echo the traditional lifestyle such as dog sleds, jigging, fiddling and King Trapper competitions.

The 2018 Prince Albert Winter Festival kicks off with the Fiddle Show on Feb. 15 at the Rawlinson Centre. You can find times and prices at www.princealbertwinterfestival.com. As usual, a Winter Festival button is required for admission to all events.

While you’re at the Rawlinson Centre, step next door to the Mann Art Gallery to see the Winter Juried Art Show. Local artists display their creations free of charge until March 24.

The Rock Show Experience is back again this year Feb. 16 and 17 at Prince Albert Exhibition Centre. The concert features performers in the characters and personas of the musical artists. It will be a Rock ‘n Roll journey through your favourite tunes.

The Voice of Prince Albert is Feb. 17 and 18 at the Rawlinson Centre. You’ll also find the jigging competition at the Rawlinson Centre on Feb. 18. There are prizes for male and female competitors from six years old to 60 plus.

Family Day on Feb. 19 is the first day of a week-long school break. Families can head out to Little Red River Park for Family Sliding Day. There will be free hot dogs and hot chocolate 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Country North Show will again be at the Rawlinson Centre with concerts Feb. 20 to 22.

Voices of the North will have four shows at the Exhibition Centre, Feb. 22-24.

The Winter Festival stays true to its historic northern roots and moves outdoors on the final weekend with a multitude of family events Feb. 24 and 25 at the Alfred Jenkins Field House site. There will be a fish fry, Kids Fun Zone, snow sculptures, sleigh rides, outdoor movie, craft sale, sled dog races, King Trapper Events, a bonfire and fireworks.

The final event of the festival is a Gospel Show on the evening of Feb. 25 at the Rawlinson Centre .

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