Lots to do in and around Wascana
Plenty of activities planned for annual free event at Wascana Park, Conexus Arts Centre
With the weather office predicting a bit of a break from the Polar Vortex, it might be time to dip your toe back into Wascana, or more specifically Wascana Park, with Waskimo on Family Day Monday. Here’s a primer for the family-friendly event.
WHEN
Outdoor events run 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Indoors at the Conexus Arts Centre runs 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., including opening remarks at noon. Snowbirds fly past at 3 p.m.
WHAT
Waskimo came out of a 14-year hibernation in 2017, so this is Year 3 of Waskimo 2.0. It went on hiatus during and after the deepening of Wascana Lake.
WHERE
All outdoor activities take place on East Wascana Lake, east of the Broad Street bridge. Wascana Centre has tested ice safety and it measures at least 20 inches deep. Only the east lake is open to the public. The rest is off limits.
COST
Waskimo activities (indoors and out) are free to the public.
PARKING
Large crowds are expected, so people are encouraged to go early, carpool, take public transit, or park off site and walk. Free overflow parking is available at the University of Regina campus, Lots 13 and 14 only. A free shuttle bus will run from the U of R to the Conexus from noon to 6 p.m. To help cover hard costs of the event, $10 per vehicle, cash or credit, will be charged for preferred parking at the Conexus.
WHAT TO WEAR
Dress for the weather and in layers. Heated warm-up shelters will be available on the ice and inside the Conexus. Wear sturdy boots with a good tread as portions of the ice can be quite slippery. People are asked to stay only on the groomed areas of the East Lake designated for our onice activities.
WHAT TO BRING
Bring your skates for some pond skating, the only day people are allowed on the ice. There will be food sales on site.
INDOORS
The Kids Carnival opens at 11 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m. inside the Conexus Arts Centre.
WHAT’S NEW
Waskimo Bird Walk starts at 11:30 a.m. at the Science Centre parking lot. Binoculars will be available. Inside the Conexus is a mini escape room, hosted by Escape Manor. Take an awesome picture at Waskimo and enter to win $500 in gift cards from Don’s Photo, enter with the hashtag #donsphotocontest or #waskimo19. Starting at noon, for those ages 12 and up, play the video game phenomenon Fortnite on the big stage inside the Conexus Arts Centre. On the ice, check out crokicurling, the love child of curling and crokinole, starting at 11 a.m.
AN OLDIE BUT A GOODIE
Outhouse races on the ice go from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
FREEZIN’ FOR A REASON
Take a polar plunge into a tank to raise money for Special Olympics. Registration opens at noon, freezing follows starting at 1 p.m.
WHAT ELSE
Horse-drawn sleigh rides at 1 p.m. Cross-country skiing and snow shoeing at 1 p.m. Snow cricket at 2 p.m.
FURRY FRIENDS
Welcome outdoors but only on a leash. Pets not allowed in the Conexus.