Edmontonians embraced the coldest day of the season on Saturday with the ninth-annual Deepfreeze Byzantine Winter Festival.
The weekend event takes place along 118 Avenue between 90 and 94 Streets and features many outdoor activities including an ice slide, deep freezer races, chariot races, ice carving and a street hockey tournament.
According to organizers, within the first two hours of opening, more than 2,000 people had stopped by to take part in the free family event.
“From when we opened the doors, we were like ‘wow’, they’re already here. Edmontonians are truly a hearty breed of people,” said festival artistic director Christy Morin.
City councillor Scott McKeen, whose goal is to combat mental health and social isolation, was one of many who braved the frigid temperatures.
“If you get outside in this weather for an hour, you’re going to go back inside and feel re-energized,” said McKeen.
Organizers are expecting up to 25,000 people will attend the event over the weekend.
More information can be found online.
With files from CTV's Kim Smith
