Winterruption gets underway Wednesday in events fifth year

Saskatoon’s annual winter celebration is back for its fifth year.

The event boasts a collection of indoor and outdoor events spread across Saskatoon. Nine venues will hold the indoor events, while Ecole Victoria School will hold the outdoor events.

Laura Hale is the outdoor coordinator for Winterruption. She said even though the temperatures may have warmed up for the event, it’s all about embracing the cold in our “winter city.”

Two teepees have been set up in Victoria Park behind the school and will be used for educational purposes for the students as well as cultural programming.

The teepees will be busy Friday and Saturday with free events being put on by Hale and her volunteers. She said one teepee will showcase Indigenous storytellers.

“Every half an hour, there’s a new storyteller and that’s a combination of traditional indigenous storytellers, (we also) have some short films inside the teepee.”

A large community bonfire will also burn through the two-day event. Hale said they will be showcasing a new light show on the side of the school, modeled after the northern lights.

Executive Director of Winterruption, Kirby Wirchenko joined Brent Loucks on Tuesday to showcase the 25 indoor events as well.

Wirchenko said they have live comedy shows, concerts and live theatre that will be performed at the city’s nine participating venues.

“The variety is what keeps it interesting to us, and I think interesting to everyone else, and talking about it,” he said.

“It’s a little bit of everything, for everybody.”

Winterruption’s Wednesday shows kick off with comedians Ali Hassan and Steve Patterson at 8 p.m. at the Broadway Theatre, followed by two Canadian music acts Girlfriend Material and Surf Dads at the Capitol at 9 p.m.

The first night wraps up at Amigos at 10 p.m. with performances by Nites Out and the Juno-nominated WEAVES.

For a full list of events for Winterruption 2020, click here.