WINTER LIGHT OPENING CEREMONIES

& WINTER LIGHT MEDIA LAUNCH

JANUARY 8 , 2009
6 pm - 8pm in CHURCHILL SQUARE
8pm - 11pm in the City Room at CITY HALL

Revitalize your winter spirit at the first annual Winter Light festival Opening Ceremonies. You’re invited to participate in an extraordinary array of special events to usher in the winter season, celebrate the experience of ice and snow, and enjoy Edmonton’s winter spirit - in a fun-filled festival setting. All events are Free, and everyone is welcome.


6:00 pm   THE BLESSING FIRE

Beautiful handmade lanterns light the way….and then the Opening Ceremonies begin with a rare Blessing Fire performed by Elders from the Aboriginal community.

This is a ceremony that recognizes the unique meaning of winter spirit; it reflects the ancient knowledge and traditions of Aboriginal people of the north; and encourages Edmontonians to experience the winter season within a circle of friendship and respect.

The Blessing Fire will become the symbolic and literal flame that lights Winter Light fires throughout the festival.

The ceremony will be completed by a performance by the young artists of Ben Calf Robe School, and the multi-Juno nominated vocal group, Asani.
 
6:30 - 8pm   WINTER LIGHT FESTIVAL – HOT STUFF IN THE SQUARE

Enjoy a sample of the winter fun to come this season. Explore the Ice Lantern Labyrinth, and the Winter Light Warming Tents & Tipis. Then enjoy a spectacular array of performances by some of Edmonton's top artists: the multi-cultural soul sounds of Le Fuzz, with special guest Andrea House and her song "Bring on the Cold"!; the hilarious and talented musical stylings of The Be Arthurs; and the haunting sounds of the acclaimed Aboriginal group Asani. 
Get caught up in light-hearted performance ‘happenings’ by the KO Dance Project, the fire-breathing spectacle of the Vibe Tribe, the Drum Posse, and the stilt walking antics of Randal Fraser and the charming ZuZu. Edmonton’s hottest media artists - aAron Munson and kelleY boleN  - take on the challenge of winter spirit with their original multi-media Aurora display.

There’s a ton of ‘all-ages’ fun for families, with story telling in the tipis, Kawakanum Kennels with their top sled dogs, authentic maple syrup taffy pulls, winter heritage skill workshops, snow shoe demos, bannock making, and winter activities organized by the River Valley Program and Fort Edmonton Park.

Sport and rec enthusiasts will enjoy a close-up experience of Edmonton’s claim to fame – extraordinary talent on the ice!  Check out the ice shows - a special 30-minute figure skating show with Skate Canada, MC'd by very special VIP guests (to be announced). And catch the thrills of one of the hottest new sports - sledge hockey – with demonstration from the Paralympics Sports Association.

Chow down on stellar food on-site at Three Bananas Café and at the New Asian Village mobile food experience!

5 – 9 pm   WINTER LIGHT WELCOME & WARMING TENTS

Warm up while you check out the new Winter Light festival, buy some great souvenir items, and enjoy our special hot chocolate – FREE if you bring your own cup! (Or participate in our re-useable cup program.)


8 pm   THE WINTER LIGHT GALA IN CITY HALL
 
Get ready to party under glittering lights in City Hall as the outdoor festivities move indoors for a party sure to warm up your winter spirit. DJ Matt Wood will spin his musical mojo; Le Fuzz, The Be Arthurs and Asani go acoustic, media projections highlight the Winter Light season, plus theatrical performances and many more surprises for the entire family.

As a special bonus, the culinary starts of NAIT will be providing a great collection of winter food and drink!

All day - SHARE THE WARMTH

Winter Light has initiated a new program to ensure all our citizens are warm this winter – Share the Warmth. Bring a donation of warm socks, mitts or toques to any Winter Light event, and we will distribute all items to inner city agencies.