Regina, February 6, 2007 -- With the theme “Spirit of Place,” the organizers of the 3rd Annual Downtown Ice & Fire Carnival unveiled plans for the 2007 edition starting today through Saturday February 17. Regina’s winter carnival is the product of a unique collaboration between business, arts, culture and sports organizations aiming to explore and interpret the various facets of how we relate to downtown Regina as citizens.
While most of us come downtown for business, shopping or leisure reasons, the various layers of heritage, community and culture that impart “spirit” to downtown are brought to the forefront more vividly during events like the Carnival. It is this spirit which helps distinguish our city from other North American urban areas, a powerful dimension that helps enrich the way Canadians who live elsewhere in the country (and sometimes even media organizations from outside) perceive our collective character as a city.
To look for these hidden meanings and to illustrate them though the medium of snow sculptures, the Carnival Committee has invited the Regina Public Library’s Dunlop Art Gallery to assume the role of curator this year. Hence the theme: “Spirit of Place”
Our Carnival is an exploration and a celebration of placemaking: relationship-building between people and places. To bring that relationship to life, New Dance Horizons stages a winter outdoor procession/performance incorporating ice and fire that is unique in Canada on February 17.
In addition, there are special events orchestrated by Association Canadienne-Française de Regina (ACFR) as part of its Rendez-vous Together, the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame and the Regina Plains Museum, among others. This year again, we are inviting visitors to bring some non-perishable donations for the Regina Food Bank, which always faces increased demand this time of the year.
The carnival is made possible with the generous financial and in-kind contributions of many organizations and individuals who for various reasons feel this event plays a key role in making Regina the place that it is. Please take a moment to acknowledge their commitment to transforming Regina into a better place to live and to visit.
Background
The Downtown Ice & Fire Carnival was established in 2005 as a legacy project from an Art at Work residency with artistic director Robin Poitras of New Dance Horizons and partners Harvard Developments Ltd, Regina YWCA and Regina Downtown. The Carnival is a new and vibrant festival that has quickly become one of the not-to-miss family events of the season. This one of a kind winter event fuses art, culture and sport together to create a unique celebration of the elements that make this region so spectacular: ice cold snow and hot fiery energy.
Attracting over 8,000 visitors to downtown in the carnival’s first two years, the Downtown Ice & Fire Carnival is an opportunity for the Regina community to come together in celebration and exploration of what Regina’s unique winter culture is all about. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to showcase Regina and the downtown area to visitors and residents alike. This is an event where the entire family can enjoy a unique winter experience in the heart of the city.
Visit www.exploreregina.ca to get Carnival details and to follow the build up to the finale, or to post your comments about the event. Follow the links to download our sponsorship investment package and help us build on a young tradition that is inspiring cities like Saskatoon already.
The 3rd Annual Downtown Ice & Fire Carnival culminates on Saturday February 17 in Victoria Park.
For additional information:
Regina Downtown BID
359-7541
www.reginadowntown.ca
New Dance Horizons
525-5393
www.newdancehorizons.ca
Association Canadienne-Française de Regina
566-6020
www.acfr.ca
The Great Excursions Company
569-1571
www.greatexcursions.com
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