Public skating allowed once again at Waskimo Winter Festival

Visitors to this year’s Waskimo Winter Festival on Feb. 18 will get to do something that hasn’t been allowed for a long time.

Festival president Jim Aho told Greg Morgan they’ve received permission to flood the east part of Wascana Lake for public skating.

“The World Cancer Day organizers are coming out to play a big shinny tournament outdoors on that ice. But when they’re done at 1:30 p.m., we’re opening an entire sheet of ice for public skating for the first time in 16 years. It’s going to be spectacular,” Aho said.

Another event that shouldn’t be missed, Aho said, is the outhouse race which still needs teams.

“That’s one of the very special things about Waskimo. It’s just plain clean fun,” he said.

The festival, which has free admission, will also include the Sask Law Enforcement Polar Plunge in support of Special Olympics, cross-country skiing and fat bike races.

“Weather will not be a factor. If it’s very cold and windy, come inside the Conexus Arts Centre. There’s a huge indoor carnival for families and kids in there,” Aho said.

“If it’s a spectacular day weather-wise, bring your skates and your dog, your toboggan and your family and come on out to the lake.”