The city of Fort St. John is gearing up for its annual ‘High on Ice’ Winter Festival and is reminding the public of closures as preparations get underway.
The northwest corner of Centennial Park, Festival Plaza, and other event spaces are now closed to pedestrian traffic, in addition to the driveway along 100th Street, which will be barricaded off to incoming vehicles.
The city is looking to ensure safety by keeping the areas clear as event staff set up for the event that kicks off with an opening ceremony on February 14.
The opening ceremony will include remarks from Mayor Lilia Hansen, drumming by the Doig River drummers, the lighting of ice sculptures, and a “Council Slide-off” led by event mascot Frozen John.
The festival, celebrating its milestone 20th anniversary, will offer residents and visitors the opportunity to participate in an array of winter-themed activities. Some of the events at this year’s festival include the return of professional ice carving and ice slides, as well as family-friendly activities such as art and performances by local artists, skating, bonfires, face painting, and workshops.
New this year is the interactive light exhibit ‘Optik,’ featuring ten sets of rings, each six feet wide. Spectators can rotate the rings to see a cascade of colours, with each set accompanied by sound. The exhibit will be on display in the park until March 2.
The event runs until February 16, culminating in a closing ceremony featuring a fire and ice show.
For more information and a full event schedule, visit the City of Fort St. John website.