Hello from Ottawa - Confederation Park Celebrates Winterlude

Confederation Park is one of the main centres ofConfederation Park is hosting the Casino du
Ottawa's Winterlude Festival, and what was excellentLac-Leamy Crystal Garden, an outdoor entertainment
for us was that we were staying right across thevenue that includes the Crystal Lounge, a variety of
street at the Lord Elgin Hotel. So all we had to do wasfood vendors and outdoor sculptures.When we
literally cross the street and we were right in the heartheaded out on Saturday morning, we walked right into
of the action.Winterlude is Ottawa's winter festival,the ice carving competition where 7 or 8 ice carvers
organized by the National Capital Commission. It bringswere working on frozen blocks of ice, using a variety
together exciting events and activities for the wholeof electric and hand tools to give shape to the
family and most of the activities are free of charge.creatures of their imagination.
Naturally, Winterlude is a big draw for tourists: last yearChain saws were being used, electrical grinding tools
the festival attractived approximately 650,000and hand chisels slowly but surely created
visitors.You would think that Ottawa is a city ofrecognizeable objects. Teddy bears, choo-choo trains
bureaucrats, who maintain a stiff upper lip at all times.and cartoon characters were coming to life right in
Far from it, as we had already seen during our Fridayfront of our very eyes.Confederation Park also hosts
night outing to Fat Tuesdays in the ByWard Market,the Fire and Ice Culinary Demonstrations, and
Ottawans know how to party and Winterlude is a 2renowned chefs and media personalities compete for
week long excuse for everyone to get out andthe Winterlude Ice Chef titles.
celebrate winter.Winterlude is hosted throughout theAnother Winterlude location just minutes away is the
entire city, so here is a summary of some of the mainAmerican Express Snowbowl, a stage located right in
Winterlude Locations:front of the Government Conference Centre.