Huntsville’s newest winter offering is almost complete, and promises a safe place for families to have some outdoor fun, says Dan Watson, executive director of the Huntsville Festival of the Arts.
The HfA, with the help of local construction companies, artists, and volunteers, have constructed a Snow Village in River Mill Park.
“The idea was, what kind of fun stuff can we do in the snow outdoors? The HfA studio is right across from River Mill Park and I was watching some kids roll some snow last year, and I though, ‘oh, that would be fun, we should do something there.'”
Watson had to shelve the idea in 2021 due to pandemic restrictions. “It really came out of the winter initiative that’s associated with Eclipse [Walk With Light show at Muskoka Heritage Place], but didn’t go ahead last year due to lockdowns,” he noted.
But now, River Mill Park contains replicas of local landmarks, including the Town Hall clock tower, the swing bridge, the Portage Flyer train, Lions Lookout, and a snow labyrinth representing the Muskoka River. There’s a sea serpent, and snow tables, and activities like snow carving and making snow castles.
Watson had hoped to have Snow Village ready in January, but Mother Nature only recently decided to cooperate with the required snow.
The event is sponsored by the Huntsville Municipal Accommodation Tax Association, Tim Hortons, Fowler Construction, and Attainable Solutions. Rotary volunteers also helped move the snow around.
Sandy Inkster designed the labyrinth, while artists Rudi Stade, Songa Rainey, and Kristine White have been sculpting the snow.
Snow Village will officially open on Saturday, Feb. 5 from 1-4 p.m. Stop by River Mill Park (at the corner of Dara Howell Way and West St N) to check it out. It will be open every day, free of charge, and will remain as long as the snow does.
The Village is designed to evolve and change. New features will be added throughout the season. If you’re interested in helping out, contact Dan Watson at [email protected].
Watch for details on upcoming workshops and night-time labyrinth walks on HfA’s Facebook page and Instagram @huntsvillefestival.
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