CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. - The Guardian is bringing some pop and sizzle back to the Jack Frost Winterfest.
Details around the annual winter festival were released in Charlottetown on Thursday.
Jack Frost takes place in various Charlottetown venues and in the downtown core, Feb. 16-18.
New this year is The Guardian’s Frosty Night, which will take place on Victoria Row on Saturday, Feb. 17 from 6-8 p.m. The event is free and accessible to everyone with no ticket required.
Frosty Night is a winter outdoor party featuring pyrotechnical fireworks that will be launched from the roof of Confederation Centre of the Arts. It’s the first time fireworks have been part of the festival since 2012 when they were fired from behind the Charlottetown Mall.
Frosty Night will also include a live performance by The Love Junkies and buskers as well as a dedicated licensed area.
“Bringing the fireworks back (is great). Fireworks have always been a big factor for Jack Frost and the children love them,’’ said John Cudmore, chairman of the Jack Frost Winterfest.
David MacKenzie, regional president-P.E.I. for the Saltwire Network, owners of The Guardian, said the newspaper is more than thrilled to be a part of the event.
“Our staff is excited about hosting a free winter evening of excitement, live music and, in particular, the return of a fantastic downtown fireworks production,’’ MacKenzie said. “We encourage all Islanders and visitors to join us on Victoria Row for what is sure to be a highlight of our P.E.I. winter.’’
There will also be an indoor venue located at the Murphy Centre on Richmond Street, known as the Game Zone. This venue will target children eight and over with more than 20 video game consoles and other interactive games.
The Outdoor Snow Kingdom returns with an all-new space odyssey theme. The outdoor winter wonderland will include Comets Climb, a new 24-foot climbing wall, two slack lines, more than 25 snow and ice slides, a new creative arts snow zone and the Cosmic Obstacle course.
Related: Hotel bookings up 45 per cent in Charlottetown for Jack Frost Winterfest
The Eastlink Centre is home to Indoor Playland and includes a new dedicated bounce zone for toddlers, along with multiple interactive bouncies and a petting zoo. The live family stage will feature performances by magician Lucas Stark, busker Cobbler Jay, Bobs & Lolo and Alvin and the Chipmunks. There will also be a meet-and-greet with Paw Patrol’s Chase and Skye.
There will also be a pancake breakfast on Saturday, Feb. 17 from 8-10 a.m. at Confederation Court Mall. Entertainment will be provided by Michael Pendergast. The event will be accessible to everyone with 350 breakfast tickets available for sale with all proceeds going to a local Island charity.
Upstreet will also partner to host the first annual after dark event outside in its taproom on Friday, Feb. 16. The 19 and over event will feature live entertainment, an ice bar constructed by the Canadian Snow Sculpture team, outdoor carvings and buskers, as well as P.E.I.’s first hobby horse competition.
A ticket is required to access all events at the three official Jack Frost venues – the Outdoor Snow Kingdom, indoor playland and the Game Zone. Tickets are now on sale at advance prices until Feb. 15 at jackfrostfestival.com or in person at Eastlink Centre and the lottery booth at Confederation Court Mall.
