Frost Festival returns to Regina with a new and free approach

WATCH: Regina’s Frost Festival has returned for a fourth year. Hallee Mandryk joined us from the downtown hub to share what it looks like.

Frost Festival is back in Regina for a fourth year and looks a little different from previous installments of the annual winter celebration.

This year, a three storey snowboarding hill has been constructed in Victoria Park for the newly introduced ‘The Grind’ snowboarding competition. The first of its kind hill is thanks to Canada Snowboard.

“In speaking with the Frost Committee and the city of Regina, they really pushed us to change what we’ve done,” Trevor Walsh, vice president of Venue Management and Event Services at REAL said

“Canada Snowboard had come up with this concept that they want to roll out to six different cities next year. We are the first kind of test city this year. So we’re kind of learning all the trials and tribulations” Walsh said

A makeshift hill in Victoria Park took just over a week to set up, between construction of the structure and placement of the snow that was hauled over from Regina’s airport.

Victoria Park’s entertainment includes a skating rink, ice sculptures, musical performances, games and countless photo opportunities.

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Two other Frost hubs within the city are located in Wascana Park and the Warehouse District.

“Honestly just seeing more and more people coming. So myself, I’ve been here for the last four Frosts or I guess this is the fourth for us, but just seeing more people coming, more people enjoying and being able to take in a new experience,” said Sophie Farrell, manager of member engagement at the Regina Downtown Business Improvement District.

One activity not be returning this year is Glow. The light display was one of the events which was dropped in favour of newer events, in addition to a lack of venue.

“There is people that love just the indoor activities and that’s what Glow did provide us in the past. Then there is the other half of the population, that just love to get outside and really experience the winter life in Regina.” Walsh said.

Walsh added that the traditional venue for Glow, the Viterra International Trade Centre is hosting a three volleyball tournaments throughout the weekend.

One major change to this year’s events is they are all free to attend.

“Having accessibility that no barriers that you can come in and experience. An event like this is really important for us here at downtown,” Farrell said.

• Over 63,000 people visited Frost Festival in 2024, down from 2023

While there are some areas within the events where money can be spent, admission into each hub is completely free of charge- in order to make the festival more accessible to everyone.

“We truly believe that downtown is for everyone and that there should be no barriers for anyone to attend. So, we really made an effort to make sure that, costs are kept to a minimum for the people who come,” Judith Veresuk, executive director of the Regina Downtown Business Improvement District said.

Events will be running until Sunday, when a closing ceremony will take place in Victoria Park.

“It’s for young and old, for those small kids, you know, five and under that are just learning to skate or want to see the wonder of the ice sculptures, all the way up to our older community are more experienced or seasoned residents. there’s always something here.” Veresuk said.