The 2016 Long John Jamboree won’t feature an ice carving competition, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be any sculptures on display.
Organizers have confirmed there will be demonstrations when the festival takes over Yellowknife Bay later this month.
In late January, it was revealed that De Beers Canada would not be providing funding for this year’s festival, leaving a $30,000 sponsorship shortfall with less than two months until the event.
The mining giant previously paid tens of thousands of dollars as the title sponsor of ice carving contest Inspired Ice, which attracted entrants from across the globe.
At the time, De Beers said it wasn’t possible to provide more notice as events had moved quickly since the suspension of mining at Snap Lake.
With the group withdrawing financial support, festival organizers were forced to cancel the contest altogether.
However, Long John Jamboree volunteers have announced there will still be demonstrations this year, featuring the works of Canadian and American sculptors.
Carving is expected to begin on March 24 with final products being unveiled on the afternoon of March 26.
The annual winter festival itself kicks off on March 25.
