Gimli festival celebrates all things icy

While the mercury rises this weekend, many Manitobans are taking advantage of the nice weather to get outdoors and enjoy a unique little festival in Gimli that celebrates all things icy.

The fourth annual Gimli Ice Festival was in full swing Saturday and had activities for all ages.

Festival goers have a chance to participate in the frozen fish toss, crazy chicken curl and ice fishing in the Gimli harbour on the weekend.

Susan Holfeuer, an organizer with the event, said she is thankful for the warm weekend weather.

"It's great for the community of Gimli," said Holfeuer.

"It's always a long winter and, you know, when the weather is cold, people don't go out, so this brings people out to be together with their friends and family, get some fresh air, and have some fun."

Alanna Mohan said she was happy to see the community come to life for the festival.

"I think it promotes some winter fun," said Mohan. "Gimli doesn't do anything, it's known as a beach town in the summer, so it's nice to have fun out in the winter."

Holfeuer said the festival sold out its 1,000 weekend passes. Organizers are expecting twice that amount of visitors will attend by weekend's end.

Sunday's festivities kick off with a pancake breakfast at Gimli's New Iceland Heritage Museum at 9 p.m.