Warm up to winter at Waskimo festival
Let’s face it: winter in Regina can be miserable. When the mercury drops and the winds rise, most people just want to stay inside. That’s where the magic of Waskimo comes in. On February 18, 2019, this festival at Wascana Park will inject laughter and fun into the heart of winter.
The origins of Waskimo stretch back to 1975, when the festival was held on the shores of Wascana Lake and featured the famous Polar Bear Plunge. Sadly, it went on hiatus in 2002 during the Big Dig, removing one of the highlights of Regina’s winter season. However, thanks to the hard work of people like Jeremy Parnes, chairman of Waskimo, and James Aho, festival producer, Waskimo was reborn in 2016, offering activities and events for people of all ages.
One of its most famous attractions is the Hole-ympics Outhouse Race, in which teams compete to push their portable unit across the finish line. This event routinely attracts a large crowd and has become a pillar of Waskimo. Additionally, 2019 will also see the return of the Polar Bear Plunge, giving participants a chance to brave the icy lake water. This fits with the spirit of Waskimo, as Parnes explains, “Waskimo is our community’s response to winter in Regina. Why hide when you can get out and make the best of it?”
Of course, there are also other ways to enjoy the winter weather including ice skating, the World Cancer Day mini hockey tournament and the U of R Fat Bikes races. Organizers are also hoping to bring back the Dress up your Dog contest, which encourages owners to show off their pets to win prizes. Finally, even if you aren’t taking part in any of these activities, Waskimo is still a must-attend event as it’s the only day of the year when the public is allowed to venture onto the frozen lake surface.
For those who are interested in warmer pursuits, there is also a full slate of entertainment offered inside the Conexus Center of the Arts. Check out the Children’s Carnival, the many games and activities, as well as live stage acts, all within the comfort of the heated building. Finally, there will be food and warm beverages, with free hot chocolate and other menu items available for purchase both inside and outdoors.
With so much going on, Waskimo can best be described as a festival for everyone. “At its heart, Waskimo is about getting people out to enjoy the very best of our city,” says Parnes, “while also building a sense of community.” This shines through in every aspect of the festival, such as free admission for all attendees, as well as the variety of activities planned. The response from the community has been strong, with approximately 8-10,000 people taking part each of the last two years. Organizers expect that number to grow as new events are added and Waskimo once again becomes a regular part of peoples’ winter calendars.
An event like Waskimo is only possible through the generous support of sponsors who each year rise to the occasion. Among their many backers, Waskimo is especially grateful for the support of Wascana Centre, the Conexus Centre of the Arts, the University of Regina, the Saskatchewan Science Centre, Brandt, Westjet and Escape Manor. This support makes it possible for Waskimo to brighten the cold Saskatchewan winter. “The way everyone comes together to make this festival possible is truly amazing and proves the Waskimo motto of ‘by the community for the community’,” says Aho. Learn more at