Winterlude Begins!

Ottawa's mid-winter festival - called "Winterlude" - began last weekend.

Terry and I happened to be downtown last Friday and caught glimpses of people preparing for the big event.

Wandering around the park where many ice sculptures are displayed, we watched the sculptors hard at work.

This sketch that one sculptor was referencing reminded me that a lot of planning go into these massive - if temporary - works of art.

Artists from many countries compete.

I was impressed with this ice igloo and polar bear.

This ice sign reminded us that both Canada - and Ottawa, its capital - celebrate their 150th birthdays this year. The biggest celebration will be on Canada Day - July 1, 2017.

Nearby, in the market area, snow sculptors were working on this large "Father's of Confederation" snow sculpture.

So much work for something so transitory, that melts in warm weather...

I hope to see it completed - before it melts.

You have to have a lot of passion to do this type of art! After spending so many hours on a work of art, you don't have long to enjoy it.