Snow sculptures

The city’s waterfront has a little more art than it did a week ago.

Mother Nature will dictate how long it will last.

For three days last weekend, groups of artists turned to an unusual medium, sculpting woolly mammoths, snow owls and a carload of animals out of densely packed snow at Marina Park.

The public was then charged with judging the best of the best.

Kathy Ball, operations co-ordinator for Marina Park, said thousands took part in the Winter Fest activities over the weekend, and their latest attraction drew plenty of interest.

“The snow sculptures were definitely a hit,” she said.

“We had models made up, large forms made up for local sculptors to come in and do some creative work. And we had four fabulous models. As well, there were three smaller ones for the community to do when they were down here on Monday.”

The goal is to build the snow sculpture event next year, likely once again on Family Day weekend.

“We thought this would be a great way to launch it. We’re hoping next year it will be bigger with more sculptures and we’ll bring some international or (sculptors) from across Ontario down here to sculpt.”