Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I joined other MLAs on Yellowknife Bay last night to take in the dazzling display of fireworks kicking off the 15th Annual Snow King Festival. What an experience and what an event! Literally thousands of people turned out under the northern lights and full moon to celebrate life in our great northern home.
Families and volunteers crowded the ice. Constituents from all over Weledeh, tourists, and more, whooped it up and shared in the community spirit that has built the festival into the biggest single winter celebration in the NWT and the longest running snow castle event in the world.
The fireworks display unleashes a month of musical performance, film, sports, children’s theatre, art exhibits and poetry readings. There will probably even be a few more weddings in the King’s castle. All healthy outdoor events for residents and visitors alike.
I visited with Jack Panayi, an excited 10-year-old doing a Grade 4 class project on the Snow King Festival. I talked to a visiting physician from Victoria, who couldn’t stop laughing in amazement at the spectacular display. As I walked home through the dark I glimpsed Japanese tourists checking their digital photos on their cell phones as they slowly made their way through the snow.
Like all the best things in the North, the Snow King Festival is built on one person’s dream, the commitment of volunteers, a huge sense of fun, and a little help from governments, including this government which provided some support funding under the SEED program. Added to this volunteer and funding energy is the huge contribution of the business community. Donations in cash, services, equipment and supplies are given with incredible generosity by businesses from the largest mines to the smallest family enterprises. Their generosity is enormous and has grown year over year.
I want to give special recognition to our local royalty for making it all happen. His Highness Tony Foliot took an idea and made it a crowning success. The royal family and retinue include: Snowbelle, Elsbeth Fielding; Sir Shiverin’ Sam, Scott Mitchell; Joe Snow, Ryan McCord; Mr. Freeze, Stephan Folkers; Dug Sum Snow, Douglas Mitchell; The Avalanche Kid, Joe Maillett; Snow Bank Frank, Regan Fielding; and Virtual Snowman, Shane Keller. They are joined by more than 60 volunteers plus entertainers each doing their part for all of our enjoyment.
I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
---Unanimous consent granted.
My questions will be very short. I invite you to look at www.snowking.ca for a complete list of all the events over the coming months and I extend an invitation from the king and his intrepid crew to all MLAs, and particularly to the staff of ITI, to drop by for a visit and some fun. It brings a whole new level of appreciation for this event.
Congratulations to the Snow King, the royal family, volunteers, businesses, governments and all participants who make this an event to look forward to every year.
Thank you, Mr. Bromley. The honourable Member for Great Slave, Mr. Abernethy.
