International sculptors love Winnipeg’s snow

WINNIPEG – International sculptors at Festival du Voyageur love the snow Winnipeggers have grown to loath.

“You couldn’t ask for better snow. We’ve sculpted all over the place, but Winnipeg has some of the best snow we’ve ever sculpted,” said a sculptor from Detroit.

“I’m just excited about the snow. It’s the best snow I’ve carved for years — beautiful snow,” said another sculptor.

Two years ago snow had to be made, bought and shipped to the festival, but this year things are different for organizers.

“This year we’re actually pulling snow off the site because there’s too much of it,” said Ginette Lavack Walters, the Festival du Voyageur’s executive director.

Sculptors have come from Sweden, Italy, France, the United States, Germany, Columbia, Estonia, the Netherlands and Spain to create artwork for the festival’s annual competition.

“The snow is great this year. When you get lots of snow, it’s great,” said Charles Johnston, a local who carved an interactive sculpture for children.

“This piece isn’t happening until the kids interact with it; that’s what brings it to life,” Johnston said.

Besides the sculptures, visitors can look forward to traditional food, toboggan rides, snow forts, Fort Gibraltar historical demonstrations, bars and a trading post on the river.

“If they want any voyageur apparel or anything, we’ve got them covered,” said one vendor.

More than 50 performers and bands will rock the Rouge tent that is now doubled in size to fit 700 people this year.

“We’re going to have a great festival. It’s going to do great things for the economy, it’s going to do great things for the community,” said Premier Greg Selinger.

The festival brings $12.9 million into Winnipeg’s economy, according to the 2010 Tourism Winnipeg economic impact study.

More than 100,000 people are expected to visit festival that runs 10 days starting Friday.