Some 30 activities on the program, including the magnificent Snow Village
MONTREAL, Jan. 16, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - The 30th edition of the Fête des neiges de Montréal will feature a host of outdoor festivities and family activities at Parc Jean-Drapeau on the weekends of January 19 through February 3, 2013 inclusively. This popular yearly get-together also boasts an exciting program of some 30 activities, including the Snow Village, shows and outdoor sports.
"With the event marking its 30-year milestone, the Fête des neiges de Montréal becomes one of the few festivals in the province to bring together generations of festival-goers over a three-decade span," said Daniel Blier, Executive Director of the Société du parc Jean-Drapeau. "Parc Jean-Drapeau is exceedingly proud to present this great winter festival because it meets our winter-offering development objective. The Fête des neiges has also become an integral part of Montréal's winter season, offering the entire population a magical site to celebrate winter, in a setting that is easily accessible by subway and where everything has been well planned to accommodate families. And along with this, admission to the site is free, as are many of the activities."
"The City of Montréal is pleased to be associated with the 30th Fête des neiges de Montréal. The remarkable longevity of this event is a testament to the creativity and vibrancy of the Parc Jean-Drapeau team which produces this annual winter get-together. With a program that is continually fresh from one year to the next, the Fête unceasingly gets the Montréal population moving so that it takes full advantage of the winter season and the outstanding Parc Jean-Drapeau site," remarked Montréal mayor Michael Applebaum
Returning as the event's spokesperson for the fifth straight year, popular comedian Yan England will be welcoming winter enthusiasts, joined by the friendly mascot Boule de Neige. In fact, Yan and Boule de Neige will officially launch the festivities for the 30th Fête des neiges de Montréal on January 19, and there is already a snowstorm forecast for that day!
New events and the return of some of the traditional favourites
Among the new activities on the program this year is "Figure Skating Day", on January 27, with Olympic medalist Joannie Rochette, where shows, autograph sessions and figure-skating lessons will be part of the action. Meanwhile, on January 20, hockey in all its various forms will be highlighted: boot hockey, ice hockey, table-top hockey, a quiz on hockey and the presence of the Norman Flynn Hockey Clinic. On February 2-3, Speed Skating Canada takes over the ice surface at the Fête des neiges for a day filled with emotions, speed, demonstrations and an introduction to this great sport.
Along with these theme-based days, there are loads of other fun activities including demonstrations of ice and snow sculpting, shows by the Flowkonz, the comical group of bears that have rock and roll in their fur, and visits to the Abenaki Village and the Monde de glace du Yéti. Don't forget the traditional favourites at the Fête des neiges, including the skaters' path alongside the river, the tube slide, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing outings, dog-sled and horse-drawn sleigh rides and going down the Zip-line.
The winter of 2013 will also mark the return of the "coolest" village in the province of Québec. The Snow Village comes to life at Parc Jean-Drapeau for the second straight year and it will again be offering a unique hotel experience, an adventure in fine eating and an entertainment venue inspired by New York City. With an expanded restaurant, ice hotel, many igloos, Nordic spas, a bar, meeting halls, a chapel and a labyrinth, this is a genuine village which has been built in the heart of Montréal.
Winter continues at Parc Jean-Drapeau after the Fête
Even after the Fête des neiges is over, people will still be able to visit the Snow Village until March 24 and they can take part in outdoor activities such as dog-sled rides, go on a guided tour of the Parc on snowshoes or do some cross-country skiing or open snowshoeing. Visitors can also rent equipment on site for the various activities.
The Fête des neiges de Montréal is produced by the Société du parc Jean-Drapeau in collaboration with the following partners: Ville de Montréal, La Presse, Speed Skating Canada, Intact Insurance, CKOI, Rythme FM, The Beat, Métromédia, Disney Junior, Teletoon, Coup de Pouce, Snow Village, Ski St-Bruno, Société de transport de Montréal and Minute Maid. For all of the details, visit the website parcjeandrapeau.com.
SOURCE: Fête des neiges de Montréal
François Cartier
Société du parc Jean-Drapeau
514 872-7318
[email protected]
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