Every year has its challenges when it comes to building Yellowknife’s Snow Castle. It was no different the 29th time around.
Warmer weather than usual from last fall all the way into the start of 2024 proved a little concerning, said Shane Clark, a volunteer board member.
“It even rained for a day and a half at the end of January,” he chuckled.
Any stress there surrounding the castle gradually melted, however, juxtaposed with February’s early snowfall.
“It was timely. Just perfect,” said Clark.
By the end of the month, the attraction was complete, and the masses congregated at the site.
“We’re probably looking at record or near-record numbers for people attending,” Clark said, explaining there’s no exact final count yet.
On the entertainment side, this year was the second time running for nighttime performances. Between Covid, and the castle’s infamous flood — as he puts it — back in 2019, it made this year a little extra special.
“The atmosphere all around was just a big celebration of back to regular, festival fun,” Clark said. He added the festival ended on a high note with the great meltdown on Friday, after running from March 2-29.
“The great hall there was just packed. I think there was upwards of 300 people in there for the final show. It went off with a bang.”
It seems the sky’s the limit for Yellowknife’s Snow Castle, with Clark adding that the number of sponsorships this year by far exceeded past ones.
Apart from becoming a city staple, he attributes the castle’s growth to the fun factor.
“It’s a fun thing to be a part of. And so whether you’re a builder or performer, or one of the dozens of supportive corporate sponsors that are out there, I think people just enjoy being associates with the festival,” he said.
Clark added that the castle was one of the few events to stick around during the pandemic, adding to its importance.
“It’s just something that persevered and kept going, year after year.”
For Clark personally, he said he’s just here to help out. Both he and his kids, who are now in their 20s, grew up experiencing this festival. The payback from being a board member, he said, is seeing the smiles among visitors.
“My oldest is 29, the same age as the castle,” Clark said, speaking about his children. “They’ve all been there, year after year. I’ve enjoyed it on many different levels.”
Marking 30 years of Snow Castle building in 2025 will be quite the milestone.
“Coming off this year that was so successful, I don’t think the board is looking at big changes, but certainly ensuring that year 30 is another memorable one,” said Clark.