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Winterlude festival 2016 kicks off in Ottawa-Gatineau

The 38th edition of Winterlude began Friday and continues until Feb. 15 at Confederation Park and the Rideau Canal Skateway in Ottawa, as well as Gatineau's Jacques-Cartier Park.
CBC News ·

The 38th edition of Winterlude began Friday and continues until Feb. 15 at three main festival sites: Confederation Park and the Rideau Canal Skateway in Ottawa, as well as Gatineau's Jacques-Cartier Park.

Confederation Park features the international ice sculpture competition, other artworks and concerts by Canadian artists on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Jacques-Cartier Park features winter games and sports, and the family of Winterlude mascots known as the ice hogs.

And at the Rideau Canal Skateway, in addition to skating, the annual Winterlude triathlon and bed race will be held.

Jacques Cartier Park is the home of Winterlude's Snowflake Kingdom, featuring slides and snow sculptures. (Michel Aspirot/CBC)
Mmm, marshmallows. (Michel Aspirot/CBC)
A carver uses an electric saw to make an inukshuk out of snow. (Michel Aspirot/CBC)
Canadian Heritage Minister Mélanie Joly, Gatineau Mayor Maxime Pedneaud-Jobin and Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson helped open the Winterlude festival on Friday morning. (CBC News)
Two throat singers performed at the opening of Winterlude 2016. (CBC News)
Inuit high kickers also performed their skills Friday and will perform throughout the festival. (CBC News)
Two of the Winterlude ice hogs, left, sit next to the Parks Canada mascot, named Parker. (CBC News)

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