Warm and fuzzy for Winnipeg winter

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This article was published 12/12/2022 (700 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

While some Winnipeggers give winter the cold shoulder, others just chill out.

“You hope that folks embrace it,” said Eric Reder, who has created two rinks in his yard along the Seine River this year.

“If you don’t find joy in the snow, you will still have the same amount of snow but less joy,” he said, paraphrasing a quote he once heard.

Reder has made ice rinks in his yard since the pandemic started.

“It was the only place where people could get together safely,” said Reder. “(Currently) with the viruses going around and the health of people, it’s still safest to be meeting outside.”

He has upped his game each season. Last year, he started the tradition of building two rinks. This year, each rink is about 85 feet wide and 45 feet long.

“(A) wider rink is a lot easier for playing hockey,” Reder said.

The fun and games isn’t just for his family. On Saturday, he’ll host “Wilder Winterpeg 1” in which neighbours and friends can stop by and play a game of hockey or enjoy a cup of hot chocolate.

Three fire pits will keep everyone warm and a disco ball will shake up the place.

“I’m hoping that we can get some vibes like an old school roller derby rink going on,” he said.

The plan is to have two sled runs and a curling tournament, using frozen milk jugs as the rocks.

“It’s an entertaining way to engage in some, you know, healthy competition or some camaraderie,” said Reder.

Three fire pits will allow partygoers to stay warm.

Reder said he hosted three gatherings last season and is hoping to do the same this year. People come and go as they please, but no more than 50 people tend to be there at once, he said.

“I think a lot of people are recognizing the safest way to visit is to be outside,” Reder said. “Limiting the amount of time breathing everybody else’s air indoors is still really important, so… that’s why I think these outdoor gatherings are still important,” he said.

Across the city, others have decided to embrace winter.

Let it Glow, a drive-thru Christmas light show organized by Grant Memorial Church, is marking its second year. It was sparked by the pandemic, said Jeff Job, director of operations at the church.

“It was kind of our way to give back to the community and to offer something back to people and just as an event for them to enjoy Christmastime,” said Job.

The free show will run from Friday to Monday, between 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., and include a 30-foot Christmas tree with lights synchronized to music on the radio; snacks and hot chocolate.

“I think there are more people who are venturing out and enjoying our event… I think it’s just getting back to normal,” Job said.

Earlier this month, about 600 cars drove through the show over the first three nights, said Job. That’s more than double the number of cars last year.

“People are looking for something to do with their families or, you know, just a fun event on the weekends,” he said. “We’re seeing a big jump in numbers.”

Osborne Village will be transformed into an outdoor European Market this weekend when the local Biz and Gas Station Arts Centre host Winter in the Village. Highlights include Christmas carol-a-oke, Little Monsters Dance workshop, a dance party, and holiday songs at multiple locations.

The Beer Can and Good Neighbour Brewing Co. will serve up drinks.

“Winnipeg has always been really great for embracing the fact that we’re a winter city,” said Lauren Siddall, spokeswoman for the two businesses.

As people continue to navigate the pandemic, Siddall said it’s important to find ways to connect with the community.

“The majority of (the event) is outdoors, (which) makes some folks feel a little bit safer than if it were all going to be in inside,” she said.

fpcity@freepress.mb.ca