Welcome to Deep Freeze

A message from Christy Morin, Artistic Director & General Manager

Christy Morin, Founder / Executive Director, Arts on the Ave

When I was a child, summer holidays on Granny and Gigi’s farm were filled with magic and wonder. The farm wasn’t just a place—it was a living, breathing story. I remember Shirley the cow and Ginger the cow, both as gentle as pets, and the joy of meeting the newborn calves each spring. I can still recall the distinct smell of the pig barn—it hit you first—but it soon became a symbol of the care and dedication my grandparents poured into raising them.

The chickens in the chicken coop were always a sight. The big ones clucked while giving their eggs and bustled about, while the tiny chicks, soft and fragile, filled the air with their peeping. Tigerlilly the farm yard cat always under foot and the immense garden that would produce such delicious baskets of food. It was here I learned about the circle of life—the way these animals and crops sustained us and how, in return, we cared for them with love and respect.

This year, as the Barnyard Blitz takes over Deep Freeze: A Byzantine Winter Festival, we are thrilled to welcome everyone to Edmonton’s first festival of the year. It is through the dedication of an incredible team, countless volunteers, generous sponsors, and a passionate community that we can share the wonder of winter on Alberta Ave.

Arts on the Ave, our steadfast charity, works tirelessly to create spaces where art, life, and community come together. Your support makes this magic possible. If you can, please consider donating to help us continue this vital work. Let’s celebrate together, sharing in the stories of connection, community, and the beauty of winter.

Enjoy the festival!

Christy Morin
Executive Director, Arts on the Ave

P.S. It takes many hands, hearts, and dollars to keep us going. Please consider the opportunity to give Arts on the Ave a financial donation on a monthly basis and receive a tax receipt for your much needed support.

Thank you

Bienvenue à Deep Freeze

Alain Bertrand, Francophone Program Coordinator

samedi le 20 janvier est la journée Francophone!!

Vous pensiez que les festivals n’avaient lieu qu’en été? Détrompez-vous! En fait, au Canada, c’est probablement en hiver que les gens s’amusent le plus dehors. La programmation a été conçue pour faire participer tous les groupes d’âge ainsi que les inciter à prendre plaisir aux activités d’hiver et à être dehors.

Soyez des nôtres !

Alain Bertrand
Coordonnateur du programme francophone
Festival Deep Freeze

Saturday, January 20 is Francophone day!!

Did you think festivals only took place in summer? Think again! In fact, in Canada, it’s probably in winter that people have the most fun outdoors. The programme has been designed to involve all age groups and encourage them to enjoy winter activities and being outdoors.

Come and join us!

Alain Bertrand
Francophone Programme Coordinator
Deep Freeze Festival

Laskavo prosymo do Deep Freeze

Festival Team, Ukrainian Programming

Sunday, January 21 is Ukrainian day!!

Celebrate 2024 with us at the Deep Freeze: A Byzantine Winter Festival! Embrace traditions, enjoy vibrant performances, and revel in our cultural feast. Thank you, dear patrons, for joining us in welcoming the New Year. Happy Malanka!

Warm regards,

The Festival Team

Святкуйте 2024 рік разом з нами на нашому зимовому Бизантійському фестивалі «DeepFreeze»!

Обмінюйтеся традиціями, насолоджуйтеся яскравими виступами і розквітайте в нашому культурному святі. Дякуємо, дорогі учасники, за те, що приєдналися до нас у вітанні Нового Року. Щасливої Маланки!

Щиро Вітаємо!

Tanisi! (Hello)

MJ Belcourt Moses, Indigenous Programming Coordinator

We are delighted to welcome you to the winter village, Pipon, recognized in the language of the Nehiyawak, Nehiyawan a dialect of the Cree. The Pipon Village represents Indigenous (FNMI) cultures, gathering in honor of our heritage. Enjoy wintertime in the Pipon Village, come, share and tell stories.

In the spirit of friendship and unity, our program team extends a warm welcome to each of you. We are committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment where our traditions and histories are acknowledged and cherished.

Let's celebrate our shared journey, learn from one another, and build a community that is strong, vibrant, and deeply rooted in our ancestral knowledge.

Tānisi nānāskomowin kākiyāw e tohteyin anohc kīsikahk wākōhkōmānithk pe mōcikihtāyān e ki miyāwitamowin ekwa achimostawewak ōta amiskwaciy wāskahikan pīpon ōtenāwihtāw

Ayay MJ Belcourt Moses nitsīkason okimaw iskwew pīpon ocēnas

With warm regards,

MJ Belcourt Moses
Indigenous Arts Program Manager
Pipon Village Program Team