2025 On the Street

Ukrainian Folk Art

Entwining a relationship of the diaspora of belonging and kinship with the land through Ukranian Folk Art.

Спородненість Kinship

These textile wool pieces are a continuous exploratory journey of colour, texture, and story. They tell tales of our connection to the river and valley, water and land, as well as all the beings who make it their home. Each tapestry builds upon спорідненість, meaning "kinship" in Ukrainian, exploring how our relationships can evolve.

My Ukrainian heritage and memory resonate deeply through a blend of traditional motifs, symbolism, and visual realism. These elements appear to me as I call upon my relations. My almost daily excursions into the river valley have made me feel at home, as though I am an extended part of its family.

Through this work, I aim to evoke the beauty, fragility, and diversity of the relationships I experience along the river. At the same time, I want to express my fears about the world’s current unrest, division, and disconnection from our natural environment and each other. These tapestries reflect the loss of biodiversity, the impacts of climate change, and the echoes of genocide—parallels that are deeply troubling to me.

I lose sleep over the thought that all could be lost. By imbuing these pieces with enchantments and amulets reminiscent of old Ukrainian traditions, I hope to draw attention to the importance of community, relations, stewardship, reciprocity, and reconciliation—with the land, the water, and one another.

Носій Сонце~Sun Bearer


Олень (deer) raises сонце (sun) from земля (ground) on his antlers and сонце brightens day. 

Regeneration and rebirth, his панти (antlers) gifted to the land regrow.  Decay, loss, and death are returned to the dark earth as the sun sets in the West.  

Рослини (plants) medicine grow in ліс (forest) and along річка (river).  Вода (water) sustaining and nurturing life.  Дерева (tree) offering refuge, shelter, connecting sky to earth, tree of life.  

Cherish these gifts of sun, water, and land for they hold story of where we come from, and many teachings to remind us of our relationship to our non human kin. 

Deep Freeze Round Dance (Mini) presented by Enoch Cree Nation

"A Round Dance is a traditional First Nation's community celebration. The Round Dance was traditionally used by the Cree First Nation as a social dance. Its original purpose was to honour someone who had passed on so that the family could grieve in the proper way. Today, however, the Round Dance is used for all kinds of different reasons, from honouring someone for their accomplishments, or celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, weddings or graduations." ~ G. Gaudet

Edmonton's Kitchen Party Canadiana Fiddle Showcase

Get ready for a musical extravaganza like no other! Join us at the New Moon Pavilion for a Kitchen Party that promises fiddling, dancing, and all-around fun! With a stage set for a talented lineup of musicians, we're turning up the heat in this winter wonderland. Featuring: Calvin Volrath, Braden Gates, Daniel Gervais, Alex Kusturok, Zach Willier, Byron Myhre

Thistle Hill Farm Petting Zoo

Thistle Hill Farm Petting Zoo brings the charm of rural life to the heart of this winter celebration. Families and animal lovers of all ages can enjoy up-close encounters with friendly farm animals, adding warmth and joy to the frosty festivities. The petting zoo offers a unique opportunity to interact with adorable goats, sheep, and other farmyard favorites, making it a memorable experience for everyone. Don’t miss this chance to connect with nature and create lasting memories at one of Alberta’s most beloved winter events!

Vinok - Ukrainian Traditions

Saturday & Sunday | On the Street

Ceremonial and festival headdresses have been worn since Byzantium. Celebrating hope, peace, rights of passages, and love – all using traditional symbols and colours – each with a different meaning.

As we embark upon the final months of winter, let us look forward to the warmth of the sun and the life it will bring back to the frozen earth. Come and stand under the beautiful menagerie of ribbons and colours created by artist Candace Makowichuk.

Horse and Wagon Rides

Fundraising Activity!

  • Saturday & Sunday • Noon – 5:00 pm

  • Pay what you can - Recommended $5 donation per ride/person.
    Receive a tax receipt for donations over $20.

Sleigh bells are ringing! Take a ride down memory lane in an old-fashioned wagon. The wagon ride takes patrons through a two-block loop of our historic Alberta Avenue neighbourhood. 

Pick up point is on 92 Street by the Alberta Avenue Community League.

*Deep Freeze Festival is a charity. We work together with the community to help ensure our programming continues to be high quality and free of admission fees.